What a root canal is
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach it, causing inflammation or infection. In a root canal, the endodontist removes that tissue, cleans and disinfects the canals inside the root, and seals them. The tooth stays in place and keeps working.
Why see an endodontist
Endodontists complete two or more years of specialty training after dental school, focused only on the inside of the tooth and on diagnosing pain that is hard to pin down. Dr. Fowler earned his endodontics certificate at Loma Linda University, where he graduated at the top of his program, after serving as an officer in the US Navy Dental Corps. Having him in our office means complex and repeat root canals can usually be done here.
What to expect
Diagnosis
Tests and X-rays find which tooth is causing the pain and why.
Numbing
Local anesthetic numbs the tooth and the area around it.
Treatment
The infected tissue is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped and sealed.
Protecting the tooth
A filling or crown restores the tooth so it can handle chewing again.
Signs you should call
- A toothache that throbs or wakes you up
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the food or drink is gone
- Pain when you bite down
- Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- A tooth that has turned darker after an injury
Swelling that spreads toward your eye or neck, or makes it hard to breathe or swallow, needs emergency care right away. Call 911.