Root Canal

Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know

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If you have a damaged or decaying tooth, or if there's a serious infection, your dentist may recommend a root canal. This treatment is designed to save your tooth rather than remove it.

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Inside your tooth is soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels, and provides nourishment. This tissue can become infected due to: 

• A deep cavity
• Repeated dental work that affects the issues
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• Injury to the tooth (even if it isn't visibly cracked or chipped)

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If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to the tissue around the root, causing pain, swelling, and possibly forming an abscess inside the tooth or around the root. An untreated infection may also weaken the bone that holds the tooth in place, risking tooth loss.

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How Long will a Root Canal Last? 

With proper care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last a lifetime. To keep it healthy, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and visit your dentist regularly to maintain strong, healthy teeth.