A persistent toothache can make it difficult to eat, concentrate, or even sleep. If you’re experiencing significant tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t ignore it. These symptoms may indicate decay, infection, or damage inside the tooth that requires treatment.
At All Kind Smiles, we take a gentle, conservative approach to dental care with the goal of preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. Root canal therapy can eliminate infection, relieve discomfort, and save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, a crack or fracture, repeated dental procedures, or an injury to the tooth, root canal therapy may be necessary.
During root canal treatment, the infected or damaged tissue is removed from inside the tooth. The area is then carefully cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed to help prevent further infection.
Root canal therapy allows us to preserve the natural tooth rather than removing it.
Not every toothache means you need a root canal, but certain symptoms should be evaluated by a dentist. These may include:
Some infected teeth cause very few symptoms, which is another reason regular dental exams are important. Our team can evaluate the tooth and determine whether root canal therapy or another treatment is appropriate.
Before treatment begins, the area around the affected tooth is thoroughly numbed to keep you comfortable.
A small opening is created in the tooth so the infected or damaged pulp can be removed. The inside of the tooth and its root canals are then carefully cleaned and disinfected before being filled with a biocompatible material and sealed.
Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended after root canal therapy to restore strength and protect the tooth from future damage.
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but modern treatment techniques and local anesthesia make the procedure much more comfortable than many patients expect.
In fact, the discomfort associated with a root canal usually comes from the infection or inflammation inside the tooth. Root canal therapy is performed to remove the source of that pain and allow the tooth to heal.
Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is typically preferable to removing it. Saving the tooth helps maintain your natural bite, allows you to continue chewing normally, and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into an empty space.
With proper care, a tooth that has received root canal therapy and an appropriate final restoration can continue functioning for many years.
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or another change in your oral health, the All Kind Smiles team is here to help. We’ll evaluate the affected tooth, explain what’s causing your symptoms, and discuss the treatment options available to you.
Call All Kind Smiles at (414) 475-0588 to schedule an appointment or visit us at 7020 W. National Ave., Suite 100, West Allis, WI 53214.