Root Canal Therapy

Once the gums have been numbed, a small hole will need to be drilled into the top of the tooth so the inside of the tooth can be accessed. Then, the infected tooth pulp inside the tooth must be cleared out, and once the infection is treated, the tooth is carefully cleaned and sealed. After a root canal treatment has been performed, the tooth will most likely need a dental restoration like a dental crown placed over it to protect it from future damage and restore the appearance of the tooth.

There are a few signs that can indicate that a tooth infection is present and a root canal treatment will be needed. However, the only way to know for sure if you need a root canal is by scheduling an appointment with an experienced dentist. Common symptoms include:

• Consistent Tooth Pain
• Sudden Tooth Sensitivity
• Darkening of Tooth
• Tender of Swollen Gums
• Bump on Gums Near Tooth

Root canal treatments tend to cause anxiety, even for patients who are otherwise calm and relaxed at the dentist. This is because root canals have a history of being painful, but fortunately, that is not the case anymore. Root canal treatments always begin with a local anesthetic being injected into the gums, which completely numbs the mouth. After your treatment, you may want to have some over-the-counter pain medication on hand to counteract any discomfort. Our office also offers nitrous oxide sedation to ease dental anxiety.