Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that involves removing infected or damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth. It’s typically done to save an infected tooth from having to be removed completely, thus preserving your natural smile.
In general, you should get a root canal when a deep cavity or trauma has caused infection and inflammation in the center of the tooth (known as the pulp). Some common indicators that indicate it may be time for a root canal include lingering pain even after taking an over-the-counter analgesic, severe sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, swelling around the gum line, discoloration on part or all of one particular tooth, increased discomfort at night, and tenderness when chewing food. If any of these symptoms persist, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away so they can accurately diagnose whether or not you need a root canal.
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