Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime.  Brushing, flossing, and proper oral hygiene help to keep your teeth strong and healthy over the course of your life.  Sometimes, however, damage can occur to a tooth, most often from a deep cavity or an injury that causes a tooth to crack, and this can cause the interior of the tooth to become infected.  The infection can damage the pulp of the tooth, which is a network of blood vessels and nerves.  If left untreated, the damaged pulp can cause infection that will damage the bone around the tooth, which will then lead to swelling and pain.  If the damaged tooth becomes infected, your dentist may have to preform a root canal to save the tooth.

A root canal involves opening the tooth, removing the damaged pulp, cleaning, shaping, filling and sealing the tooth.  Root canals are a very common and effective procedure used to save the infected tooth from having to be removed.  Root canals do require two appointments because a permeate crown needs to be fitted and molded before it can be applied to the tooth.  During the first appointment, your dentist will remove the infected pulp and drain any abscesses.  The root canal will then be cleaned and shaped for a temporary filling.  During this visit impressions will be taken so a proper fitting crown can be molded for the infected tooth.  During your second visit, your dentist will check the tooth and make sure all of the infection has cleared.  Once this has been completed, the permanent crown will be applied to the tooth.  Any adjustments to the shape of the crown will be made so that the new crown does not affect your bite.

After your root canal has been completed, your tooth will look and feel as good as new.  Proper oral hygiene will help prevent any additional infections to the tooth.  If you are experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort, schedule an appointment with your dentist today to address the issue and prevent any further decay.