What is actually happening inside the tooth
Every tooth has a hollow space at its center that holds the pulp: nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Deep decay, a crack, a large old filling or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp. Once it is inflamed or infected, it cannot heal on its own. The result can be a throbbing toothache, sensitivity that lingers long after a hot or cold drink, or in some cases an abscess with swelling.
A root canal removes that damaged pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth and seals it so bacteria cannot get back in. The tooth stays in place and keeps working.
Signs to call about
- A toothache that wakes you up or keeps coming back
- Pain when you bite down or touch the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the drink is gone
- A tooth that has turned darker than its neighbors
- Swelling in the gum or face, or a small bump on the gum that drains
If you have swelling, call the same day. Facial swelling with fever, or swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, needs an emergency room right away.
What the visit is like
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthetic before anything else happens. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth, the pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned and shaped with fine instruments, then filled with a rubber-like material and sealed. Many treatments are completed in one visit.
Afterward the tooth may feel tender for a few days, which over-the-counter pain relievers usually handle. A back tooth then gets a crown to protect it.
When a specialist is the better call
Some teeth have curved, narrow or extra canals, or need retreatment of an older root canal. In those cases Dr. Hales may refer you to an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals, and then restore the tooth here afterward.
Call (520) 458-9460 if you have a toothache. Visit our emergency dentist page for what to do in the meantime.