Root Canal Therapy

A “root canal” is performed when the internal “nerve” or pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can cause severe pain and swelling surrounding the tooth because the tooth nerve lies inside the crown and the root of the tooth.

The pulp or nerve may become infected due to tooth decay, a crack, large fillings or trauma to the tooth. All of these scenarios may allow bacteria to enter the internal pulp causing infection.

In order to salvage the tooth, endodontic treatment otherwise known as root canal therapy can be performed. Root canal therapy removes the infected internal pulp or nerve in order to get rid of the bacterial infection.

Many patients associate root canals with pain and discomfort, however, local anesthetics and advancements in modern dentistry have made root canals highly tolerable procedures that are often no less comfortable than having a standard filling.

Signs you may need root canal therapy
If you are suffering from the following symptoms call the River Dental team as soon as possible to organise an appointment.

• Severe toothache.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks that persists longer than a few seconds.
• A change in colour of a tooth.
  Inflammation of the gums surrounding the painful tooth which is tender to touch.
• A recurring sore or ulcer in the gum above or near a tooth.