Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth that has been infected due to a deep cavity, a cracked tooth or trauma. The treatment involves removing the pulp within the tooth. If this treatment is not performed, the infection can spread into the surrounding bone resulting in pain and swelling likely requiring tooth removal.

Signs that you may need root canal therapy are:

- Severe tooth pain while chewing

- Your tooth pain wakes you up at night

- Teeth that are highly sensitive to hot or cold with the sensitivity lingering for some time

- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth

- Swelling in the area of your tooth or cheek

First, an opening is made through the top of the tooth into the pulp chamber. The pulp is removed and inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. A biocompatible filling material is then placed inside of the roots. The tooth will immediately need a crown buildup to replace the tooth structure removed and a crown to prevent contamination inside the tooth and to protect the tooth from fracturing.