Root Canal Therapy

Macedon Family Dentistry: Dentists in the Macedon, Palmyra and Fairport area

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth or the tooth pulp is affected by decay, infection or trauma. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth may need to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Severe toothache pain
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present
  • Swelling and/or tenderness

The common misperception is that root canal therapy hurts, however with modern dentistry techniques, equipment and anesthesia, it should not be painful at all. The actual goal of root canal therapy is relieve the pain. If you feel anxious about root canal therapy, talk to us. At Macedon Family Dentistry, we have your utmost comfort always in mind.

If you want to learn more about root canal therapy or if you need a dentist in the Palmyra, Fairport or Macedon area, call us today for an appointment.