What is a root canal?
A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, then cleans, seals and protects it, so you keep the tooth instead of losing it. It's usually needed when decay, a crack or an old filling lets bacteria reach the nerve.
Signs you might need one
- Throbbing tooth pain, especially when you chew
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near one tooth
- A tooth that's darker than its neighbors
- A small bump on the gum that keeps coming back
Sound familiar? Don't wait. Infections don't go away on their own, and catching it early usually means simpler treatment.
What to expect
We numb the area thoroughly first, so it feels a lot like getting a filling. Most people say it was far less dramatic than they expected. Afterward, most teeth need a crown to protect them, and because we mill crowns in-house, we can often place it the same day.
Root canal vs. pulling the tooth
Sometimes an extraction can't be avoided, but when we can save your natural tooth, we will. A missing tooth can lead to shifting, bite changes and eventually an implant or bridge.