Save Your Tooth with a Gentle Root Canal in London, ON
The phrase "root canal" can cause anxiety, but this modern dental procedure is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. If you have a severely infected or damaged tooth, root canal therapy is a highly effective treatment that can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. At Smilo Family Dentistry, we specialize in providing comfortable, gentle root canal treatments to restore your oral health.
Understanding Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a restorative procedure used to treat infection within the pulp of a tooth—the soft tissue inside that contains nerves and blood vessels. The goal is to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed.
Why Is a Root Canal Necessary?
When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, or an injury, it can cause a severe toothache or lead to an abscess. A root canal is necessary to:
Eliminate Pain: By removing the infected nerve tissue, the source of the pain is eliminated.
Save the Natural Tooth: It's always best to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, and a root canal makes this achievable.
Prevent the Spread of Infection: An untreated infection can spread to other teeth, your jawbone, and even other parts of your body.
Signs That You Might Need a Root Canal
While a thorough dental exam is needed for a proper diagnosis, certain symptoms often indicate that a root canal may be required.
Common Symptoms of Tooth Infection
A severe, persistent toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the source is removed.
Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums.
Discoloration or darkening of the affected tooth.
A recurring pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure: What to Expect
Root canal therapy is a routine procedure that is performed with your comfort as the top priority. The process typically involves numbing the area completely, removing the infected pulp, carefully cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it. Afterward, the tooth is usually protected with a dental crown to restore its full strength and function.
Don't let tooth pain control your life. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Smilo Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation and find relief.
Book Your Dentistry Appointment Today
Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile!