FAQs

After the procedure, the tooth will be capped with a temporary crown while a permanent crown is designed. A permanent crown is normally put in place within a few weeks.

While the reputation of root canal therapy is that they are painful, the procedure for the vast majority of patients is no more painful than having a filling placed.

While some root canal procedures are preceded by no symptoms, there are usually signs which indicate that there is a problem. These symptoms include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold long after contact, darkening of the tooth, and/or a persistent pustule or pimple on the gums.

Any stress on a tooth which allows bacteria to enter the tooth's chamber can start the damage which can necessitate root canal therapy. Stresses include tooth decay, deteriorating fillings, and cracks or chips in the tooth.

If a tooth's nerve tissue or pulp becomes damaged, bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria, if left untended, can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. Root canal therapy removes the bacteria laden tissue to stop the spread of infection.

Root canal therapy is a procedure which removes the infected tooth pulp and the nerve tissue from the tooth chamber.