A root canal is a procedure designed to save a tooth that’s badly infected or damaged. You might need a root canal if the inner part of your tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or damaged. This can happen for a few reasons, like deep tooth decay, a cracked or chipped tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. If the pulp gets infected, it can lead to severe pain, swelling, or even an abscess. Without treatment, the infection could spread, causing even more serious problems, and in some cases, the tooth might need to be removed
In a root canal, we’ll clean out the infected pulp, carefully remove the damaged nerves, and then disinfect the area. Afterward, we fill the space with a special material to seal it and prevent further infection. The tooth is then usually topped with a crown to restore its function and protect it.
Root canals often get a bad reputation because of the misconception that they’re extremely painful, but the reality is they are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a simple filling. By the time a root canal is needed, a patient is often already in pain from the abscessed tooth- which can make people more anxious about the procedure. However, root canals are done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the treatment and our dentists and staff make it our top priority to make sure our patients are comfortable and pain free throughout the appointment. Most people experience some mild discomfort afterward, but it typically goes away within a few days. Our goal is always to save the tooth, so you don’t need to have it removed.