Every dentist strives to prevent this procedure from happening, but when it is necessary, it can be done successfully and it is the treatment of choice to save the tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Tooth extraction is not a method of choice since this will affect the adjacent teeth as well.

These are some of the symptoms and signs when the root canal might be needed:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Severe pain that doesn’t go away with painkillers
• Swelling and tenderness around the gums (abscess)
• In some cases, no symptoms are present

The root canal therapy is necessary in these cases:

• When the decay has reached the pulp chamber and has infected it
• Infection or abscess inside the tooth or at the tip of the root (abscess)
• Injury and trauma to the tooth

Root canal therapy or endodontic therapy requires one or more appointments and it is performed usually by your Elgin dentist or the endodontic specialist.

Dental x-rays need to be taken before the endodontic therapy. When the tooth is numb, the rubber dam is placed around the affected tooth to keep it dry during the procedure. An access opening is made using the drill and root canal is exposed. All the decay has to be cleaned out during the process. Series of root canal files will have to be placed into the opening. These are used to spread the root canal and clean it (remove the pulp, nerve, bacteria and necrotizing products).

After the tooth has been cleaned, it will be sealed with special medicated dental materials which will be placed permanently inside the root. If more appointments are necessary (in cases of severe infection) a medication or a temporary sealing material is placed in the root to help the tooth heal. A temporary tooth filling is placed until the treatment is done.

After a week, the tooth will be controlled for the infections. If no infection is present and the tooth has healed, permanent fillings can be placed. In most cases, the crown is indicated to prevent tooth breakage (after the root canal, teeth get more sensitive and less resistant to breakage).

You can experience sensitivities after the treatment, but this will go away soon. You will get a set of instructions after every appointment on how to properly take care of your tooth.

Regular and good oral hygiene is necessary along with the balanced diet and regular dental exams to ensure the long stability for your root canal since these sometimes need to be repeated.