The thought of undergoing a root canal can be intimidating for many people, especially if you don’t know what to expect. However, there is nothing to fear. The procedure is not that different from having a cavity filled, and a root canal can strengthen and restore a damaged tooth so it doesn’t have to be extracted. Dr. Ajamu Giscombe, the experienced dentist at Blue Ridge Dental Care in Raleigh, NC, can determine if root canal therapy can save your damaged tooth.

Root canal therapy is a treatment method for restoring teeth that are severely infected or damaged. The procedure is similar to having a cavity filled but targets the innermost layers of a tooth. At the center of a tooth is a soft material called pulp that also extends down through the canals of the root. Treatment is needed when the pulp becomes infected. If the infection spreads down through the canals of the root, an abscess can eventually form in the gums around the root.

The procedure for performing a root canal involves drilling into the tooth and removing all the infected pulp, which is similar to removing decay when treating a cavity. After the infected pulp is removed, the tooth’s interior is thoroughly cleaned. Finally, the tooth is filled in and sealed much in the same way a cavity is filled in during treatment. Filling in the space where the pulp was removed strengthens the tooth, which can help restore normal biting and chewing functions. A dental crown might also be placed over the treated tooth to further strengthen and protect it.

Several symptoms can reveal that the pulp inside a tooth is severely infected. If you experience any of the following symptoms, the skilled dentist at our office in Raleigh can determine if a root canal is needed:

• A severe or persistent toothache
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
• Sharp pain when biting into or chewing food
• Constant pressure or pain in the mouth
• The formation of an abscess in the gums