Root canal is a treatment dentists use to save teeth which would otherwise need to be removed. When the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury, that’s when a root canal procedure would be required. A root canal specialist, also known as endodontists, may be necessary depending on the extent of the infection and the difficulty of the root canal.

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A root canal is generally required in cases where an untreated cavity has already become larger and has reached the pulp of the tooth. Once this happens, an infection forms at the base of the root canal, causing an abscess. This abscess is generally painful and will need to be removed. Other possible scenarios that may require a root canal include teeth damaged by trauma, and fillings that leak. Essentially, a root canal involves cleaning out a tooth's infected root, then filling and sealing the canal.

The procedures for a root canal treatment are:

• Making an opening through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber
• Removing the pulp, and cleaning, enlarging, and shaping the root canals to a form that can be filled
• Medicating the infected area to get rid of germs and prevent infection
• Filling and sealing the root canals and the pulp chamber
• Placing a gold or porcelain crown over the tooth/restoring the crown of the tooth

You’ll know you need a root canal when you experience severe toothache upon chewing or when pressure is applied on your tooth. Other symptoms include swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums, discoloration of the tooth, a recurring pimple on the gums, and prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks even long after it has been removed or ingested.

Your restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary. As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy.

To get a hold of root canal specialists who have years of experience in endodontic surgery and root canal therapy, contact DentistPhone at (866) 970-4192 and we'll connect you to pre-qualified dentist near you. Please feel free to call our office and set up a consultation appointment with one of our specialists to get that root canal therapy that will save your natural teeth and alleviate your pain.

Call us Toll Free, 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week at (866) 970-4192.

This article was written by Alice Torres.