The root canal is the area in the center of a tooth where the pulp is located. The pulp consists of the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissues of the tooth. If you are experiencing any of the following, you may have a damaged root canal in Amherst, New Hampshire:
– Strong discomfort when chewing or putting pressure on the tooth
– Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
– Darkening of a tooth
– Swelling and soreness in the gums
– A bump on the gums that is recurring or won’t go away
Based on your symptoms and the findings from a clinical exam, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy with an endodontist to repair your tooth. During this procedure an opening is made in the tooth so that the damaged or infected dental pulp can be removed. The canal or canals (molar teeth have more than one) will then be thoroughly cleaned. Once the endodontist has examined the area to ensure that all bacteria and debris has been removed, the canals are filled with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. The access entry is temporarily sealed and you’ll schedule an appointment with your general dentist for a final restoration. Depending on the tooth being treated and it’s condition, a dental crown or composite filling will be placed over the tooth to restore its shape, strength and function.
We welcome you to contact us to learn more about root canal therapy. A benefit to being a patient at New Hampshire Center for Comprehensive Dentistry is that our board-certified endodontist is here in the office to provide your specialized root canal care, saving you effort, time and increasing your comfort. Our team looks forward to helping you reach optimal oral health!