A root canal is performed in an effort to save a tooth.  Root canals are performed when the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, is injured or becomes inflamed or infected. Removing infected pulp is the best way to preserve the structure of the tooth.

The most common symptoms of damaged pulp include pain in your tooth, and swelling and a sensation of heat in your gums. We will examine the painful tooth and take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. 

In prepping for the procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic. You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but the anesthetic will keep you from feeling any pain. When your tooth is numb, we will make a small opening in the top of the tooth. Once the infected or damaged pulp is exposed, we will carefully remove it using special tools called files.

Once the pulp has been removed and the pathways are clean, we coat the area with a topical antibiotic and fill the tooth with a sealer paste. We’ll end the procedure by filling the small opening in the top of the tooth with a soft, temporary material.

During a subsequent visit, the temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent filling or possibly a crown.