Why would someone need a root canal?
Every tooth has a nerve inside its “root canal.” When decay is deep enough to allow bacteria into this nerve it may become infected. Trauma to a tooth may also cause a tooth’s nerve to go bad. When this happens, root canal therapy can often be done to save the infected tooth.
How is a root canal performed?
The infected nerve is removed and the canal is treated with a filling that doesn’t allow anymore bacteria into the nerve space. Many root canal treatments can be done comfortably right here in our office.
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canal therapy itself does not hurt! It is the infectious process that causes a toothache that makes root canal therapy necessary that is painful.
What happens to the tooth after root canal therapy?
Teeth that have been treated are restored with a tooth colored filling or a crown after the treatment.