We have found that root canals have really gotten a bad rap. Most people confuse the pain that results from an infected tooth with this procedure that stops the pain and saves the tooth from having to be extracted.
Endodontic treatment becomes necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: most often deep decay, but sometimes, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
In addition, an injury or blow to a tooth may cause pulp damage and death of the nerve even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Signs to look for include throbbing pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as in nearby bone and gingival tissues.
Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms. We have excellent instruments and a great deal of experience to help us diagnose if and when a root canal is needed.