Root canals are performed when a cavity  has reached the advanced stages and that tooth is causing great pain and discomfort.

Root Canal background

Root canals are performed on one tooth at a time. However, if individuals require more than one root canal on a certain side of the mouth,  a dentist may perform more than one root canal during a visit.

Root Canal Procedure

Root canals include numbing of the mouth, followed by a drilling of the tooth. The drilling goes all the way down to the roots of the tooth, so that the dentist can kill the roots. By killing the roots of the tooth, all pain should be alleviated. After the roots are killed, the tooth is filled or capped, so that the tooth will be usable and stronger than it was when the cavity was present.

Root Canal treatment

Root canal treatment includes pain medication and antibiotics. In addition, patients should preform each part of the after care procedure, such as cleaning, exactly as the dentist explained in order to avoid infection.

Root Canal symptoms

Root canal symptoms can include severe pain, especially when an infection is present. The cheek, on the side of the mouth where the root canal was performed, may also be swollen and sore.

Root Canal pain

Root canal pain can vary in severity. When the pain is severe, an infection is possible and patients should immediatly seek medical attention.

Root Canal complications

There are several possible root canal complications, including infection and damage to the gums.