Root Canal

A root canal is needed when there is decay that extends deep into the tooth near the nerve of the tooth or the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. 

There could be variable causes such as a crack, a chip, trauma or if a decay is left untreated. Some signs of pulp damage include intermittent or persistent pain, tenderness in the surrounding gum tissue, trouble chewing on the tooth or temperature sensitivity. In some cases though, there are no symptoms.

During a root canal procedure, after examining the tooth and x-rays, the dentist places a protective dental dam over the tooth to keep it clean from saliva. He or she then makes a small opening at the top of the tooth and proceeds to use small instruments to remove the nerve and clean the pulp chamber and the canals in the roots.

If you are experiencing extreme tooth pain, starting a root canal (or pulpotomy) will help you get out of pain