Most people used to dread the prospect of a root canal, but these days, the procedure is not the horrible experience people used to imagine it was.
Dentists usually recommend a root canal to remove diseased or necrotic tissue in a tooth’s nerve canal. Diseased nerves result from injuries or severe damage to teeth or from deep, untreated cavities. The most common symptoms of diseased nerves are a heightened sensitivity to heat and cold on the teeth, pain or discomfort when biting or chewing or in some cases facial swelling. Removal of the tooth and replacing it with bridgework or dental implants is certainly an option, rather than undergoing a root canal. Our dentists can help you to better understand the risks and benefits in your unique situation and help you in negotiating these options.
Following your procedure, a crown is recommended for structurally weak teeth. This serves to strengthen the tooth, prevent bacteria from leaking back into the interior and potentially lead to re-infection. Although most patients recover quickly after a root canal, on occasion the procedure can lead to minor swelling and discomfort, but this is often temporary and can usually be eased with non-prescription medication from your local pharmacy.