Having a Root Canal is Not Too Different From Having a Filling Placed

Normally, the dental pulp is protected by dentin and enamel that surrounds the pulp. Deep tooth decay or extensive dental work on a tooth makes the pulp vulnerable to attack. If this occurs, the pulp tissue dies and can cause pain, swelling and temperature sensitivity.

If tooth pain keeps you awake at night, lingers when drinking hot or cold liquids, or is persistent when you chew on the tooth, you likely are experiencing nerve irritation and may need root canal treatment.

Having a root canal is not too different from having a filling placed. Our skilled dentist will need an x-ray to assess the tooth and an anaesthetic is then administered. Once the nerve space is accessed, the nerve from the canal of the tooth is removed. The space is thoroughly cleaned and is then filled and sealed with a sealant called gutta-percha. Once the canals are filled and sealed a restorative filling is placed. A dental crown may be recommended after root canal therapy or in the future as the tooth becomes much weaker and if the restoration is very extensive. You may experience mild discomfort for a few days afterward, but that can be relieved by an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory.