Our Services / Root Canals

What are root canals?

A root canal treats infected or inflamed tooth pulp. The tooth pulp is a soft substance inside each of your teeth that consists of nerves and connective tissue. The pulp provides temperature sensations like hot and cold, but your teeth don’t need it to survive. 

If your pulp becomes infected (due to a cavity) or inflamed (as a result of trauma) it causes pain and affects your biting and chewing abilities. A root canal removes the pulp, relieving your symptoms, and preventing the need for an extraction.

Why are root canals performed?

You might need a root canal if your tooth pulp is damaged due to:

• Extensive dental work
• A blow to the mouth
• Chipped or cracked enamel
• An untreated cavity

If you experience symptoms like tooth pain, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, make an appointment at Franklin Square Dental right away.

What do root canals involve?

At Franklin Square Dental, root canal therapy takes two visits.

First root canal visit

Before recommending a root canal, your dentist asks about your symptoms, conducts an oral exam, and takes digital X-rays. If your X-rays show an infection or inflamed tooth pulp, your provider numbs your mouth, carefully removes the pulp from your tooth, and fills it with a material called gutta-percha.

Once the gutta-percha dries, your provider takes impressions of your tooth and bonds a temporary crown on top. They send your impressions to a laboratory that creates a custom permanent crown.

Second root canal visit

About a week later, when your permanent crown is ready, you return to Franklin Square Dental. Your provider examines your treated tooth and replaces the temporary crown with the permanent one.

What is recovery like following a root canal?

Following a root canal, you may experience increased tooth sensitivity and mild swelling. In the days after the procedure, eat only soft foods, take any medication as prescribed, and brush and floss gently. Any discomfort should subside within a few days, but if your symptoms persist don’t wait to contact your provider.

If you want to learn more about root canals, request a consultation at Franklin Square Dental by calling the nearest office or clicking the online scheduling feature today.