Root Canal Therapy Overview

Unlike what you may have heard, root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is typically a straightforward procedure that works to relieve dental pain and save a tooth that may otherwise be lost. Saving a tooth can prevent a host of dental problems, which may require involved and costly treatments down the road.

Root canal therapy is necessary if the soft tissue, or pulp, inside your tooth and roots becomes inflamed or infected. There are different reasons a tooth can become damaged. Bacteria from dental decay can reach the pulp and infect it. A traumatic injury can cause inflammation of the pulp. Sometimes the tooth pulp can become inflamed and can die for no apparent reason.

If the inflamed or infected tooth pulp is left untreated, it can lead to complications including severe tooth pain, an abscess, or even tooth loss. Root canal therapy can prevent further damage and preserve your tooth, allowing you to enjoy a healthy, confident smile.

Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy

Signs and symptoms you may need root canal therapy include gum or tooth pain, a bump on your gum indicating an abscess, tenderness, tooth discoloration, or sensitivity to heat or cold. In some cases, you may be in need of root canal treatment but experience no symptoms. That is why it is essential for you to keep up with your routine exams and cleanings twice a year to allow us to identify and treat any condition in its early stages.