A successful way to save a severely damaged tooth
Deep cavities and injuries can damage a tooth so badly that root canal therapy is the only way to save it. The good news is that after treatment, the tooth can be strong enough to last the rest of your life.
Who needs root canal therapy?
Inside every tooth is the pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The pulp can be damaged if a tooth is cracked by an injury or has a deep cavity, and it is then very likely to become infected. Once infection reaches the pulp, it can spread to the surrounding tissue and bone. Root canal therapy treats the infection and saves the tooth.
Signs you may need a root canal
- Severe or lingering toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that does not go away
- Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums
- A darkened tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gum
Preparing for treatment
Your dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic and places a thin rubber dam over the tooth. The dam isolates the tooth being treated and protects the rest of your mouth.
Removing the pulp
Your dentist cleans out the infected pulp using fine instruments shaped to fit the tiny canals inside the tooth. If more than one tooth needs treatment, each one is usually done on a separate day.
Filling the canal
The cleaned canals are filled with a material called gutta-percha, and a filling is placed on top. If more work is needed, a temporary filling is used until treatment is complete.
Protecting the tooth with a crown
After a root canal, a filling is often not enough to keep the tooth strong. Your dentist may recommend a crown to cover and protect it, so it can last a lifetime. Tooth-coloured crowns are ideal for visible teeth.
