What is a root canal?

A root canal is the hollow part to the tooth�s root. Root canal therapy is the process of treating a disease or inflammation in this area.

1. Tooth is prepared to allow access to the pulp chamber
2. Length of each canal is determined
3. Canals are widened and cleaned
4. Canals are filled
5. Tooth may require protection and reinforcement with a crown

How do I know if I need root canal therapy?

5 common signs that you WILL probably need root canal therapy.

1. You have moderate to severe lingering "toothache" pain when drinking hot liquids or eating hot foods. This pain may also be caused with cold liquids or foods
2. You have pain when chewing or biting on a tooth that may also be sensitive to touch, tapping, or pressure and may be associated with slight swelling
3. Your toothache pain wakes you up at night and you most likely feel the need to take some form of pain medication to relieve your suffering
4. You have a bubble on your gum that looks like a pimple and when pressed in the region may release blood or pus
5. You have pain that starts at one tooth and then radiates or is referred to other regions of your upper or lower jaw, or head. A common example is a lower molar (back tooth) causing pain that refers to your ear on the same side so as to simulate an earache

1. You have pain when you chew and/or drink hot or cold liquids. The pain is mild in nature and not prolonged.
   It is common to feel pain after a recent dental procedure such as a filling or a crown. A rule of thumb is that if the pain does not subside within 6 weeks or becomes increasingly severe, then a root canal may be required
2. You have pain when you drink cold liquids, but the pain goes away immediately or within a few seconds.
   This is a normal response and may exist throughout your life
3. You have PAIN WHEN YOU EAT SWEETS, but the pain doesn't last very long.
   You probably have a cavity, loose/broken filling or areas of the root surface that are exposed (receded gums). Root canal therapy in this case would only be indicated if the decay is deep and touches the nerve
4. You have swelling on the gum area around the tooth. The tooth may be sensitive to touch however there is no pain when drinking hot or cold liquids. The pain may be severe but when you brush or poke around the area the pain is relieved.
   This type of pain is usually indicative of a gum abscess not a root canal problem. Often we will take an x-ray of the area and perform a series of tests to see if the nerve of your tooth is responding normally or not. A normal response (no pain from the nerve) means the problem is more than likely gum related and not root canal in nature
5. You have pain in a group of teeth, non-specific in nature and usually aggravated while walking downstairs or jumping.
   This type of pain is usually reflective of sinusitis and root canal is not required
6. You have a sharp pain when touching or squeezing the cheek area or you have increased pain and difficulty to open your mouth.
   This may be bruxism, pain due to clenching or grinding your teeth
7. You have momentary PAIN TO COLD AIR.
   Because the pain is only momentary, it is still within normal limits -- however watch that the situation does not worsen
8. You experience sharp pain when biting down on a tooth usually in a specific way.
   You may have a cracked tooth, which may or may not end up with root canal but will require a full crown restoration to prevent the fracture from increasing in size
9. You have electric type pain -- sharp and shooting, similar to that of chewing on tin foil.
   This is galvanic pain. It is typically related to metal fillings in your mouth. If it becomes a consistent problem, call, since you may consider having your filling changed to a non-metal filling