Saving an Infected Tooth
Root canal treatment is a safe, effective way to relieve pain and save your natural tooth so you can keep your smile intact.
A root canal may be recommended when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to decay, bacteria, a cracked or chipped tooth, or a traumatic injury.
If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to increased pain, swelling, or even tooth loss. A root canal stops the infection from spreading and allows the healthy part of the tooth to be cleaned, sealed, and restored.
With modern techniques, root canal treatment is safe, effective, and generally causes little to no discomfort. And with proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.
The Root Canal Procedure
A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat a tooth that's badly damaged or infected on the inside. At this stage, it’s often the only way to save the tooth; otherwise, it might need to be extracted.
Here’s how it works: your dentist starts by carefully removing the infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth, including the nerves and blood vessels in the root canals. Then, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a special medicated material that helps prevent future infection.
To finish things off and protect the tooth long-term, your dentist may place a filling or a dental crown. Once it’s fully healed, the tooth can function just like normal.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms below, contact us. Our dental team can diagnose the issue, and determine treatment.
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Gum swelling and/or tenderness
- Darkening or discolouration of a tooth