It is better to save a damaged or diseased tooth than to replace it with an artificial one or to leave a hole in your smile. Trauma, deep cavities, breaks, or gum disease are all reasons you might end up with infection inside your tooth. If not treated in time, an infection can mean the end for your tooth. A root canal is a procedure that can come to the rescue.

A tooth has several parts: the crown, dentin, and the pulp. The outer visible part is the crown, which is made of enamel and allows you to chew food. Dentin is beneath the tooth’s surface and contains nerves. The deepest layer within the dentin holds the roots and pulp of the tooth, which nourishes the teeth. The sensitive pulp can become infected if there is a crack or cavity that provides germs access. If your tooth’s pulp gets infected, decay occurs quickly and will likely cause swelling and pain. The nerves in your tooth will become more sensitive with decay, especially when exposed to hot or cold items.

See your dentist as soon as you suspect you have a tooth problem. After examination and X-rays to identify the issue, your dentist may say a root canal is your best option. The process of a root canal involves deadening the area and drilling through the enamel into the dentin. The infected pulp will be removed with a special instrument, and then a rubber filling will replace the decayed pulp. Sometimes the tooth’s surface is damaged during the root canal, and may be replaced with an artificial crown if needed.

After a root canal, you should practice good oral hygiene to protect your teeth from future infection or decay. Maintaining regular checkups with your dentist is also an important aspect of your oral health.

Root canal dentist in Toronto