Root Canal Therapy

We’ve probably all heard someone say, “I would rather have a root canal…” when talking about something they really don’t want to do. But good news! Root canal treatment is not what it used to be, and the once dreaded word “root canal” has become a thing of the past. With today’s advanced techniques and technology, root canal treatment is a highly successful procedure that can be painlessly completed in a conservative and quick manner.

At Family Roots Dentistry, we strongly believe that nothing is as good as your natural tooth and recommend root canal therapy as the treatment of choice to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed. All teeth have a nerve, or pulp, in their center. When the nerve of a tooth is affected, root canal therapy (also known as “endodontics”) is recommended to repair and restore the tooth to its natural function.

WHAT ARE REASONS WHY ROOT CANAL THERAPY WOULD BE RECOMMENDED?

  • Severe decay, or cavity, that has reached the nerve
  • Infection or abscess, that has developed inside a tooth or at the root tip
  • Injury or trauma
  • Crack or fracture that has reached the nerve

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS WHEN ROOT CANAL THERAPY MIGHT BE INDICATED?

  • An abscess (or "pimple") on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Discomfort when biting
  • Severe toothache pain
  • Swelling and/or tenderness

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR A ROOT CANAL?

  • Gently remove the infected nerve and bacteria
  • Clean the inside of the tooth
  • Fill the space where the nerve once was with a medicated material to help prevent future infection

For more information or to schedule your appointment, please call us at (815) 385-4411 or contact us here.