Treat tooth pain and infection with root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is a type of dental procedure that involves removing the soft center of the tooth (known as the pulp). The pulp is a center of nerve and connective tissue that helps the tooth to grow. Your dentist or endodontist may perform a root canal to treat an injury or infection without having to remove the errant tooth completely.

When Is A Root Canal Needed?

Root canal therapy is carried out when the soft inner part of a tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected. Since the crown of the tooth can still remain intact if the damaged pulp is removed, root canal therapy is used to get rid of the infected pulp while preserving the structure of the tooth. A root canal procedure may be recommended to:

• Reduce pain and sensitivity to chewing and hot/cold foods
• Decrease pain throughout the gums and jaw caused by infection
• Improve overall oral health and mitigate the spread of infection
• A more affordable alternative to total tooth removal and tooth implant
• Improve bad breath related to the site of the infection

How Is A Root Canal Performed By A Dentist Near Me?

A root canal is performed at our dental office by our qualified dental professionals. The following are the steps you can expect during your procedure:

• Anesthetic: A local anesthetic will be administered to number the area of the gum affected. Once the anesthetic has taken effect the procedure can begin. You will be awake throughout the procedure but the anesthetic will prevent any pain.
• Removing the pulp: A small opening will be made on the top of your tooth to expose the infected or damaged pulp. Specialized tools called files are used to remove the pulp. All the pathways (canals) of your tooth are carefully cleaned to prevent an infection.
• Antibiotics and sealing: a layer of topical antibiotics will be used to coat the area of the tooth to prevent an infection. The tooth will then be filled with a sealer paste and a gutta-percha. Some oral antibiotics may also be recommended.
• Temporary filling: the procedure ends by filling the small opening left by the procedure with a temporary material. This prevents the canals from getting damaged by your saliva.

The dentist will end the procedure by filling the small opening in the top of the tooth with a soft, temporary material. This sealant helps prevent the canals from being damaged by saliva.

Root Canal Aftercare

After the medication wears off, your tooth and gum may feel sore. Some people also experience some swelling. Your dentist will recommend OTC pain medications to deal with this. However, you should call promptly if the pain persists or worsens. You should be able to resume your normal routine within a day of your procedure. But you should avoid chewing the tooth until it is permanently filled. You will be required to come in for an inspection a few days after your procedure to ensure that the infection is gone and replace the temporary filling with a permanent one.