Root canal treatments are prescribed by dentists to treat the soft tissue, called pulp, inside of a tooth when it becomes infected or inflamed. This pulp is found beneath both the enamel and dentine layers inside the root of the tooth.
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What to expect at a root canal appointment
Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures in America, and often allow patients to keep teeth that otherwise would need to be removed. During a root canal procedure, your dentist will use a local anesthesia to help with pain. They will then make a small opening in the tooth to properly access the inflamed pulp. The pulp is removed and the tooth is cleaned out and disinfected before being filled with a rubbery substance. Often, a filling or crown will be placed on the tooth to help protect and restore it.
Tooth pain is a common sign of infected soft tissue
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, you may need to undergo a root canal procedure. Other signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Pain while biting or eating
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Swollen or painful gums
- Discolouration or darkening of gums
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your dentist right away. Waiting too long to treat infected tissue can allow the infection to spread, and may result in the tooth being extracted.