A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed at our Windsor office. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

What is a root canal?

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels and nerves that helps 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. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

Regardless of the initial cause, the nerve of the tooth becomes irritated and an infection, or abscess, occurs causing pressure and pain.

In some teeth, deterioration of the pulp happens gradually, so little discomfort is felt. Root canal therapy is required to remove the infected nerve tissue, relieve pain, and ultimately save the tooth. A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can become brittle over time. A crown is recommended to protect the tooth from further fracture. If properly cared for your new tooth can last a lifetime.

Benefits of Root Canals

1. Root canal treatments stop the toothache.
2. They prevent bacteria and pain spreading into the jaw.
3. Root canals maintain the original tooth - not replaced with a denture or a bridge.

Remember, root canals can save a severely damaged tooth from having to be extracted. Contact a member of our Windsor dental team to schedule an appointment.