Our Shelby Township dental office is able to provide complete dental services, including advanced skills to perform endodontic procedures, or root canals. Here, a root canal is far different than its common reputation.
Root canals are performed to save a natural tooth, which preserves the bone that supports it as well as the health of surrounding teeth. The procedure can effectively treat the interior of a damaged or diseased tooth. This may be from a deep cavity, an issue with previous filling, or a cracked tooth.
Patients generally need a root canal when they notice a tooth is sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations. Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include:
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
- Swollen or tender gums
The tooth’s interior holds the pulp, which is made up of blood vessels and nerves. The procedure begins with anesthesia for patient comfort. A small opening is made through the crown of the tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber. The infected or diseased pulp is removed and a crown is typically used to further protect and preserve the tooth.
Depending on the condition of your tooth, a root canal is relatively painless with most requiring only one visit.