What is a root canal? A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 15 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. 

The term root canal refers to the portion of the anatomy of a tooth that houses the soft tissue known as the pulp. The pulp is surrounded by hard tissues, enamel and dentin, and is comprised of blood vessels and nerves that enter the from the root ends. Infection or inflammation of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, nerves and other tissue deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures.

Symptoms of inflammation and infection include:

•   Sensitivity to cold, hot and/or sweets
•   Pain to biting
•   Pain in the tooth or gums
•   Swelling of the gums
•   Symptoms may be completely absent

Tooth pain can present in an unusual, haphazard manner with symptoms that may develop and subside without cause. If you recently had tooth pain and it resolved on it’s own, it does NOT mean the problem as resolved. You should seek care with your dentist or endodontist to have your tooth examined.