Endodontic treatment (a root canal) is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or gets infected. Inflammation or infection can be caused by deep decay, dental procedures, a crack or a chipped tooth. Pulp damage may even be caused by an injury when the tooth is not visibly damaged.
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all. Left untreated, inflammation and infection can lead to an abscess or severe pain.
If performed by an experienced endodontist, root canal treatment is not much different than having a routine dental filling. In fact, most endodontic treatments relieve pain. We use the surgical operating microscope on every case, which leads to a higher success rate.
What to expect
- Plan for about one hour per visit
- Local anesthetic, with nitrous oxide or oral sedation available
- You can drive yourself and return to your normal day
- A temporary filling is placed; your general dentist completes the permanent restoration
- Little or no discomfort afterward for most patients