Root Canals

How do you know if you need a root canal?

Only an X-Ray and your dentist can tell you if you need a root canal. But if you have a single tooth that is consistently painful, especially when you bite, you definitely have a problem that needs attention.

Signs that an infected (abscessed) tooth may need a root canal

• Pain in one tooth whenever you chew or bite down
• A tooth that is sensitive to hot or cold
• A tooth that is dark or discolored
• Swollen, tender gums around a painful tooth
• A sore on the gums that doesn’t go away

Root canals: super-powered fillings

Root canals usually take two visits. On the first visit, we remove the diseased root and clean up the infection. Then we close up the tooth with a temporary filling.

After your tooth heals, you’ll return for second visit. We’ll take X-Rays to confirm the infection is completely gone, then permanently seal the tooth.

Do root canals hurt?

Usually they are a huge relief, because they put an instant stop to the pain caused by the infection.

During the procedure, we numb the tooth and area around it, just like we would for a cavity. If you feel pain during a root canal, or any other procedure, let your dentist know.