Root Canal Therapy

Restore Your Oral Health ASAP

Save an Infected Tooth With Root Canal Therapy in Warren

A toothache that won't go away can be your tooth's way of telling you something is wrong beneath the surface. When the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, root canal therapy in Warren may provide a way to treat the problem while preserving the natural tooth.

Despite its reputation, a root canal is intended to address the source of dental pain rather than cause it. Removing affected tissue from inside the tooth and sealing the space can help you keep a tooth that might otherwise be at risk of extraction.

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Learn How a Root Canal Works

Beneath a tooth's hard outer layers is an inner area containing dental pulp. Deep decay, cracks, trauma, or other damage can allow this tissue to become inflamed or infected.

During root canal treatment, your dentist removes the compromised pulp, then cleans and seals the inner canals. The tooth may then need a dental crown or another restorative treatment to protect it and support normal function. Dr. Wendy Sanger performs most root canal procedures within the practice, although referral may be appropriate for certain cases.

Signs that you may need a root canal include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, discomfort when biting, or swelling. Some affected teeth produce few noticeable warning signs.

Address Dental Infection

Your dentist removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth to treat the underlying problem rather than simply masking its symptoms.

Preserve a Natural Tooth

Root canal treatment can often allow a compromised tooth to remain in place instead of requiring extraction.

Relieve the Source of Tooth Pain

Treating inflammation or infection eliminates persistent aching, biting discomfort, or temperature sensitivity.

Protect Your Bite

Keeping a natural tooth helps maintain its role in chewing and avoids creating an empty space in your smile.

Complete Most Treatments In-House

Dr. Sanger handles most root canal cases within the practice. She can recommend referral when a tooth requires more specialized endodontic care.

If you're experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth, ask whether root canal therapy in Warren can help you keep your natural smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy

Q What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat inflamed or infected tissue inside a tooth. The affected pulp is removed, the internal spaces are cleaned, and the tooth is sealed so it can remain in the mouth.

Q Does a root canal hurt?

Root canal therapy shouldn't be painful during the procedure because the treatment area is numbed. Some tenderness afterward is possible, but the procedure itself is designed to address the infection or inflammation that may be causing significant tooth pain.

Q How do I know if I might need a root canal?

You may need a root canal if you have persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discomfort when biting, swelling, or other signs of damage or infection. However, some teeth requiring treatment cause few symptoms, so a dental examination is necessary for diagnosis.

Q Can root canal therapy save a natural tooth?

Root canal therapy is specifically intended to preserve a natural tooth when its inner pulp has become infected or inflamed, but the tooth can otherwise be maintained.

Q What happens during root canal treatment?

During root canal treatment, the affected tissue is removed from inside the tooth and its root canals are cleaned, shaped, and sealed. A filling or crown is then often recommended to protect the treated tooth.

Q Will I need a crown after root canal therapy?

Many teeth benefit from a crown after root canal therapy, particularly back teeth that withstand substantial chewing forces. The amount of healthy tooth structure remaining and the tooth's location help determine the appropriate final treatment.

Q What happens if an infected tooth is not treated?

An untreated tooth infection can worsen and may spread beyond the inside of the tooth into surrounding tissues. Delaying care can also reduce the chances of preserving the affected tooth, so symptoms of infection should be evaluated promptly.

Q Is a root canal better than having a tooth extracted?

Saving a natural tooth with root canal therapy is often preferred when the tooth has a good long-term outlook, but extraction may be more appropriate in some circumstances. A dental exam can determine which approach makes the most sense for the affected tooth.