Root Canals

Root canals are a dental procedure used to treat and preserve a tooth with infected roots. Root canals remove the damaged portion of the root and the infection. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection. The top portion of the tooth can be restored later with a crown.

You may need a root canal if damage, trauma, or decay has caused bacteria inside the tooth’s root. An indication that this has occurred may be pain, swelling, or the infection may be found on a routine dental x-ray without ever experiencing pain or discomfort.

During the root canal you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. After you are numb, a rubber dam will be placed over the tooth to keep the area as sterile as possible. The diseased portion of the tooth will be removed, and the tooth will then be filled to the roots.

Following the procedure, it is normal for the root canalled tooth to be inflamed possibly causing some sensitivity for a few days.