A root canal is a dental procedure used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal treatment, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

While many patients assume a root canal procedure will be extremely painful, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The majority of the pain is experienced leading up to the procedure as a result of the infected tooth. The root canal procedure should relieve the pain you feel, and most people can return to normal activities the next day.

A variety of causes can lead to a tooth’s nerve and pulp becoming irritated or infected, including deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face. While symptoms may not always be present, signs that you may need a root canal include:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures
• Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

The dentists at Brite Family Dental provide compassionate, sensitive care for people in need of root canal therapy. Our experienced dental professionals strive to minimize pain for patients and help improve their quality of life through treatment.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of tooth decay or infection, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent future pain and damage. Call our experienced dentists today at 585-486-4664 to schedule an evaluation and appointment.