If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, you might need root canal treatment. When the soft pulp at the center of a tooth becomes infected, tooth pain and sensitivity can result. Left untreated, the infection can spread down through the canals of the tooth root and cause an abscess to develop. Root canal treatment strengthens and restores infected teeth so extraction is not necessary. Dr. Gerald Ward, our dentist at Burbank Family Dentistry can determine if root canal treatment can help your smile.

When Treatment is Needed

Root canal treatment is needed when the soft pulp tissue at the center of a tooth becomes infected. Pulp is the innermost layer of a tooth and is surrounded by dentin. Pulp extends from the center of a tooth down through the canals of the tooth root. The infected pulp can cause extreme sensitivity and pain. It can also lead to the formation of an abscess in the gums next to or below the tooth if the infection spreads.

There are several indications that a root canal might be needed. Our dentist can determine if root canal treatment is needed in your case. Root canal treatment might be needed if any of the following signs develop:

• A persistent or severe toothache
• Extreme sensitivity to cold or hot items
• Sharp pain when biting and chewing foods
• A feeling of persistent pain or pressure in the mouth

Root Canal Therapy

The procedure for root canal therapy involves steps similar to those used when treating teeth with cavities. After administering a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, a small opening is made in the surface of the problem tooth. Infected and dead pulp tissue is removed through the opening in the tooth. Once the affected pulp tissue is removed, the interiors of the tooth and the canals of the root are cleaned and disinfected. A dental filling is then used to fill and seal the tooth, and a crown placed to protect the tooth.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Several benefits result from root canal treatment. Some of the primary benefits of root canal therapy include preventing tooth extraction, strengthening damaged teeth, alleviating pain and sensitivity, and restoring normal biting and chewing functions. Additionally, since infected pulp tissue is removed from an affected tooth, root canal therapy also stops infection from spreading and infecting other teeth. With root canal treatment, it is possible to strengthen, restore and preserve and infected tooth.

You might need root canal treatment if you are experiencing sharp pain when biting into foods, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold items, or a persistent toothache. At Burbank Family Dentistry, our dentist can determine if you are a candidate for root canal therapy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ward, call our dental office at (708) 424-2900.