Quick Facts
- Treatment Duration? Multiple Appointments + Operation
- Why? Treat infected or decayed nerves
- Who? Adults
- Effective For? Lifetime with proper maintenance
Roots canals are an attractive alternative to extraction for teeth with significant nerve infection or decay. Without a root canal intervention, infected teeth will eventually die and necessitate removal, ultimately leading to more cost and pain over the course of the patient’s lifetime. With proper care, root canal therapy is often effective for the remainder of the patient’s life, barring the occurrence of a new infection.
Common Symptoms of Infected Teeth
- An abscess or pimple on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
The Root Canal Process
Root canals require multiple appointments with an experienced dentist to ensure lasting and successful treatment. During the root canal, the damaged tooth and surrounding tissue are numbed and blocked off from saliva. The dentist creates an opening in the top of the tooth to use as an access point to remove pulp, nerve tissues, bacteria, and decay using special instruments. After the infected materials are removed, medicated dental materials are used to fill the tooth cavity and a permanent crown is placed over the tooth to seal it and protect it from further damage.
After the root canal procedure, patients will experience temporary discomfort and sensitivity that will fade as swelling diminishes and the tooth heals.