Root Canal Therapy
If you have an infected tooth, it’s important to get treatment right away. An infected tooth is the result of serious damage to your enamel and dentin from untreated tooth decay or an oral injury. When the hard, outer layers of your tooth are destroyed, the soft “pulp” which supports the tooth becomes inflamed and infected, causing pain and discomfort. There are many signs that indicate that a root canal may be needed including:
- Severe toothache
- Dental abscess or swelling
- Hot and cold sensitivity that lingers
- Darkening/ discolouration of the tooth
If any of these symptoms are present, a root canal may be the best option to keep the natural tooth without having to extract it. In essence, a root canal treatment cleans the infected material within the root canals of the tooth, thereby getting rid of the infection. Once the canals are adequately cleaned, the tip of the root is sealed off to prevent re-infection and the canal space is filled. After the root canal is completed, a crown is typically recommended to prevent fracturing of the biting surface of the tooth. Root canal treatments have excellent long term success rates and are a great way to restore the tooth back to its natural aesthetics and function.