YourSmile Dentistry

Dr. Sha Tao, D.M.D.
Creating Beautiful Smiles For You

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

1. Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:
   An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
   Sensitivity to hot and cold.
   Severe toothache pain.
   Swelling and/or tenderness.
   Sometimes no symptoms are present.
2. Why you need to do root canal therapy:
   Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
   Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
   Injury or trauma to the tooth.
3. Root canal therapy involve:
   Local anesthetic --- Removing the nerve tissue and Bacteria --- Sealing with special dental materials --- Filling be coved the opening on top of the tooth.
   All teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
   After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.