ROOT CANAL THERAPY

The phrase root canal is associated with painful toothaches and frightening dental treatments, but root canal therapy actually significantly relieves the associated toothache and restores the damaged tooth to full form and function. The best news is that root canals are no more painful than other dental treatments like crowns. Root canals are necessary when patients experience dental decay or damage that reaches the inner pulp layer of the tooth. The tooth’s nerve system is housed within the pulp, so decay or damage that reaches this inner layer directly affects the nerves leading to severe toothache. Root canals remove the damaged pulp, replace it with a similar substance, and reseal the tooth. In most cases, patients experience immediate relief from the accompanying toothache and are able to return to their regular activities free from pain. We may recommend patients have a dental crown placed to protect their smiles and strengthen the treated tooth. If this is necessary, we will place a temporary crown on the day of treatment that will be exchanged with a custom-crafted crown at a later time.