Root Canal

A root canal is a procedure specifically designed to save you from losing a tooth. Our teeth are comprised of certain parts, one of them being the pulp. A tooth’s pulp is where the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue are housed. When this area becomes inflamed or infected, then a root canal procedure must be taken in order to save that tooth.

When your pulp becomes inflamed or infected, you will begin to feel symptoms that prompt you to take action.

Toothache
These are pretty common, but certain toothaches point to the possibility of an inflamed/infected pulp. If you experience sharp pain in the middle of the night that leads into a generalized headache, then your tooth’s root may be suffering.
Abscess
If you see a bump near the top part of a tooth and/or pus present in the mouth, then there is a good chance a root canal will be required.
Sensitivity
Extreme pain to hot and cold foods is a good indicator.
Discoloration
Dark discoloration on the tooth points to a deteriorated pulp. This is a severe sign.

Root canals are often a two-appointment procedure, with the first appointment taking up to an hour to perform. The second appointment is for a dental crown since most of your tooth with be lost during the process and must be capped with a crown to restore its appearance.