At Southern Dental Associates at Baybrook, we will always do everything possible to save your teeth in cases of infection or injury. If you are suffering from a toothache, it may be the result of an infection inside of your tooth. Left untreated, this can be very painful and lead to tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with our team right away to learn if a root canal treatment is necessary.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

We perform root canal treatment to restore an infected tooth. Inside every tooth is a soft tissue known as dental pulp. This includes blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues. The pulp extends from the crown down to the tip of the roots (where the root canals are located).

Normally, the pulp is protected by the hard outer enamel, but if this is injured or decayed, bacteria can reach the inside of the tooth. If the infected pulp is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Signs that you need a root canal treatment include a toothache, sensitivity to temperature, pain when chewing, discoloration of the tooth, swelling or drainage.

During a root canal treatment, we clear out the infected pulp and thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth. We will fill the inside of the tooth with medical grade fillings, and then, in most cases, we will protect the tooth with a dental crown.

Saving your natural tooth with root canal treatment will spare you an unnecessary extraction. Preserving your tooth also helps to maintain your natural bite and protect your other teeth from excessive strain.