Root Canals

Toothaches provide a vivid reminder that teeth aren't just inert pieces of hard tissue floating in the gums. Instead, they're intricately formed parts with layers of hard substances overlaying a delicate core. Coursing through the tooth's center, this vital bundle of nerves and blood vessels provides nutrients and sensation to each tooth. As long as the tooth stays healthy, you're rarely aware of the systems at work.

But pain rapidly changes your awareness in any part of the body. Tooth pain can be especially alarming, and it's meant to warn you that something's not right. Pain tells us that the bundle of nerves and vessels inside your tooth is irritated, damaged, or under attack.

A deep cavity can give bacteria access to the inner nerve bundle. A crack extending into the same region can create stress that will need additional care to relieve. In some cases, a significant infection may develop in your jaw without any symptoms at all. If our doctors determine that the nerve won't recover or infection is present, then root canal treatment may be suggested.

Modern anesthetics provide powerful numbing for gentle removal of the inflamed nerve inside the tooth. The nerve canal undergoes disinfection and careful shaping, and a sealer fills the internal space. A filling or crown over the tooth helps return the tooth to its original condition.