How do I know if I have an infected tooth?

Common symptoms of an infected tooth include a sharp, severe toothache in the area, sensitivity to hot and cold, and sore, bleeding gums. Note that infections can also occur without symptoms, so it’s important to have regular dental exams to make sure your teeth are healthy.

Aren’t root canals painful?

Root canal treatment is performed using a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. It’s a lot like having a tooth filled. You may feel discomfort in the treatment area after your appointment. Over the counter pain medication may provide relief.

How long will the treatment last?

If the tooth isn’t damaged again, the treatment should last a lifetime. You may need to replace the crown when it begins to wear. This is usually 10-20 years.

How do I take care of my crown?

You brush and floss around the crown just as you would a natural tooth.

Endodontics in Downtown Dartmouth | Peter Zwicker Dental Services

Root Canal Treatment

A damaged tooth can be vulnerable to infection, which can result in the loss of the tooth. Root canal therapy treats the infection and saves the tooth from being lost.

When a tooth is damaged by decay or injury, bacteria can get inside and cause an infection in the tooth's soft inner tissue (the pulp). If the infection isn't treated, it can spread to the bone and soft tissues surrounding the tooth, where it can cause a gum infection called an abscess. Over time, this infection can result in gum disease or the loss of the tooth.

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To perform a root canal treatment, your dentist drills a tiny hole in the damaged tooth and removes the pulp with special tools. After the pulp is removed, they clean the inside of the tooth to prevent another infection and repair the tooth with a filling. When the root canal treatment is completed, your dentist will restore the tooth with a dental crown.

Video: Root Canals

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common symptoms of an infected tooth are severe toothache, sensitivity to pressure or temperature, or sore, swollen, or bleeding gums. Sometimes, an infection can be present without symptoms and can only be detected by your dentist during an examination.

Root canal treatment is performed using a local anesthetic, so the treatment itself is painless. You may experience temporary pain and swelling in the area, similar to having a tooth filled. Contact our office for assistance if you experience severe pain or swelling after your treatment.

Root canal treatments are permanent and shouldn’t need to be repeated unless the tooth is injured again. The crown will last approximately 10-20 years.

Brush and floss around the treated tooth as normal.

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