Root Canals

The inside of your tooth is home to the dental pulp, a bundle that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause tooth pain and, if left untreated, can even result in the loss of your tooth. In these cases, root canals are performed to remove the affected tissue and bring your tooth back to health.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

Tooth pulp can become infected for a variety of reasons, including a bacterial infection. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, it may be a sign of infected dental pulp. Other signs include sensitivity to heat or cold, a gray discolouration of the tooth, or swollen gums.

The Root Canal Procedure

Your root canal procedure will begin with local anesthesia. Your dentist will then drill into the tooth, removing the affected pulp and cleaning out the infected area. The hole will be filled and sealed with a material called gutta percha, and a permanent filling will be placed to restore the exterior of the tooth.