Restoring Damaged & Decayed Teeth
In the centre of each tooth is material called pulp, which contains nerves and supplies our tooth with nutrients.
If something happens to that dental pulp – if it is injured, infected, or damaged in some other way – then the nerve within the pulp may die, which eventually will cause the tooth to die.
Dentists will recommend root canal therapy as a way to save teeth that have damaged nerves and dental pulp.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
If your tooth is badly injured or decayed there are a number of painful symptoms that you may experience. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, you may need a root canal to save your tooth.
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
The Root Canal Procedure
To begin, your dentist will create a small opening in the tooth and carefully clear the inner chamber of all diseased tissue.
Next, they will disinfect the inside of the tooth, including the small canals, and fill it with medicated material to prevent infection.
To finish the procedure, the tooth is generally capped with a dental restoration, such as a dental crown, to strengthen the tooth and protect it against further issues.