Root Canal Treatment

Root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The term “root canal” comes from cleaning of the canals inside a tooth’s root. Decades ago, root canal treatments often were painful. With dental advances and local anesthetics, most people have little if any pain with a root canal. In fact, it’s probably more painful living with a decayed tooth. Root canal alternatives include extracting the damaged tooth and replacing it with a dental implant, bridge or removable partial denture.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

Nerve damage may sometimes go completely unnoticed. At other times, symptoms may cause excruciating pain. Some of the signs that a tooth may need a root canal include:

• An abscess or swelling along the gums
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
• Toothaches
• Pain when biting or chewing
• A tooth that appears to be darkening in colour

A root canal treatment performed in time can prevent severe bone loss which may cause the tooth to fall off. Treating it quickly can help you retain your natural tooth for years to come.