If your dentist has recommended you for root canal therapy, you may be unsure about what to expect. While this treatment may be unfamiliar to you and you may feel overwhelmed, it’s a common procedure that promotes oral health. Root canals are meant to preserve your natural tooth and eliminate painful infections before they worsen. Discover more about what root canals are and when they’re used below.

A Beginner’s Guide to Root Canals

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is the removal of the tooth’s pulp to clean out the affected area to prevent recurring infections. The tooth’s pulp consists of nerve tissue and blood vessels, which can become inflamed as a result of infection. After the pulp is removed and the area is thoroughly cleaned, the endodontist fills the canal with a filling to prevent any bacteria from reentering. Because the tooth is no longer supported by nerve tissue, a crown must be placed on top to prevent it from cracking. 

When Are Root Canals Needed?

Root canals are commonly used to treat infections or abscesses which have developed inside the tooth. Decay from a cavity can also reach the tooth’s living tissue, in which this therapy is needed to remove the affected pulp. Facial trauma and an injury to the tooth also require root canal therapy. 

Signs you may need root canal therapy include pimple-like bumps along the gum line, extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and severe toothaches. Swelling and tenderness may also occur. In some cases, no symptoms of an infection or decay are present, which is why it’s critical to visit your dentist regularly. These professionals can spot the signs of a problem long before symptoms manifest.

When patients in Monroe County, NY, need root canal therapy, they turn to Grassi & Grassi, PC. This endodontic treatment practice has been serving the community for more than 40 years with gentle and effective services. Learn more about what to expect from root canal treatment by visiting their website or call (585) 424-1111 to schedule an appointment.