Root canal treatments are recommended when bacteria attacks the pulp of your tooth and causes infection. Without treatment the infected pulp can abscess cause the following:
- Swollen gum tissue
- Pain when biting and chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
Although many people find the prospect of root canal work alarming, modern endodontic treatments make it possible to clean up infected tooth pulp without causing you pain or even major discomfort.
Root canal treatments typically take two treatments to complete. During the first appointment, your dentist will remove all infected material from the tooth and seal it with a temporary filling. When you return, the temporary filling is removed and replaced with a permanent one. Depending on the condition of the affected tooth, we may recommend that you protect it further with a crown.
Once the treatment area heals, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, limit your intake of sugary foods, and visit your dentist regularly. These measures keep you in a state of good dental health and lower the chances of additional root canal work ever being necessary.
