A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, with well over 14 million done every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is the pulp. The pulp is a collection of blood vessels, nerve tissue and other cells that help to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures.
What are the signs that I may need root canal treatment (RCT)?
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling, gum tenderness, and/or discoloration of the tooth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms when a pulp degenerates, and a dental examination and x-rays may only detect it. If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp.