Root canal therapy may be needed if a tooth’s nerve is damaged or infected. Common causes are cracks, breakage or cavities.
With the powerful numbing effects of modern local anesthetic, root canal therapy is done painlessly. A small opening is made in the biting surface of the tooth. The inside of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly to remove problem nerve tissue. Then, the inside of the tooth is filled all the way to the end of the root. That’s it!
After the root canal, a crown may be required. The crown serves to protect and restore the tooth.
You might want to come in and have your teeth checked if you notice these signs:
- you avoid eating on a specific tooth
- you feel pain or throbbing after having hot or cold foods or drinks
- you find yourself taking pain medication due to your teeth
- you notice a bad taste or smell coming from an area of your mouth