What is a root canal?

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. The treatment involves removing the infected tissue, halting the spread of infection, and restoring the tooth with a dental crown.

A root canal is performed under local anesthesia (usually) or sedation. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area of the infected tooth. Sedation may be administered depending on the patient.

What are the symptoms of root canal infection?

If you are experiencing pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, or swelling around a tooth, you may be experiencing the symptoms of root canal infections.

Root canal infections occur when the pulp located inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The pulp is comprised of soft tissues, nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can be extremely painful.

Some of the symptoms of root canal infections are:

- Pain

- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages

- Swelling around the a tooth

- Foul taste in mouth

What are the different types of endodontic treatment?

There are several different types of endodontic treatment:

1. Root canal treatment – this is the most common type of endodontic treatment, and it is designed to repair a tooth that is affected by infection. During the procedure, the dentist will carefully remove the infected tissue, clean the tooth, and then fill the tooth with a dental filler.

2. Endodontic retreatment – this type of endodontic treatment is performed when the patient’s tooth fails to heal or becomes re-infected. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the dental filling, clean the tooth once more, and then seal the tooth.

3. Apicoectomy – this is another form of endodontic retreatment that involves the removal of the dental root tip. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the apex of the tooth and then clean the root canals.

What happens after a root canal?

After a root canal, the tooth will need time to fully heal.

Once the anesthesia wears off, some sensitivity and pain may be experienced. Follow the dentist’s instructions about what medications to take for the pain.

The tooth will be tender for the first few days after the root canal. Avoid biting hard or crunchy foods on the tooth until the tenderness fades. If you experience swelling, use a cold compress to ease it.

After a few days, the tooth should be feeling back to normal. Avoid chewing with the tooth until the dentist says it is healed enough to do so.

What is a root canal retreatment?

A root canal retreatment is similar to an initial root canal. A root canal retreatment is performed when a patient’s previously treated tooth becomes re-infected. An untreated tooth is susceptible to further infection, so after an initial root canal, our dentists may recommend a root canal retreatment.

What is apical periodontitis?

Apical periodontitis is an infection that affects the soft tissues of the gums and jawbone. While infections can occur anywhere in the mouth, apical periodontitis specifically affects the area where the roots of the teeth meet the gums.

The cause of apical periodontitis is bacteria. These bacteria are naturally occurring in the mouth and can sometimes accumulate and form plaque. Left untreated, this plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by professional dental cleanings. If tartar is not removed, it can cause an infection.

Symptoms of apical periodontitis may include:

What is endodontic surgery?

Endodontic surgery is used to treat deep infection or abscessed teeth. An abscessed tooth is the result of a bacterial infection deep within the tooth. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread down the root and into the bone, resulting in a serious infection. Endodontic surgery involves removing bacteria and damaged tissue from the tooth, then sealing it to prevent reinfection.

What is a pulpectomy

When decay has reached the nerve, a pulpectomy is necessary. This happens when the nerve becomes infected by bacteria. A pulpectomy removes the infected nerve tissue. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.