tooth canal

Root Canals: Causes and Treatment

Older man suffering the effects of acid reflux

Do you have tooth pain? Are your teeth overly sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks? You may need a root canal.

When a tooth becomes decayed or infected, a root canal procedure is needed to disinfect and clean the tooth. Pulp, a substance found in the center of the tooth, can become damaged if teeth are not properly taken care of. Bacteria multiply within the pulp chamber in a tooth, and the pulp must be removed from the inside of the tooth.

When is a Root Canal Needed?

Your tooth may show signs of decay or infection visually, and also through these common symptoms:

Gum Soreness or Swelling
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth Darkening
Toothache

If you have noticed these symptoms, contact Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely & Associates. Some people may think that the root canal procedure is painful, but our professional dentists ensure that the root canal process is as comfortable as possible for patients. A root canal is no more painful than other dental procedures, but we understand the possible fear around root canal pain.

Root Canal Therapy: The Procedure

Drs. Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely & Associates offer their patients root canal therapy which cleans and disinfects teeth. The process involves the assessment of the tooth pulp first. Then the infected tissue and nerves found in the tooth are extracted, and the tooth is cleaned. After the inside is cleared, the tooth is sealed.

At another appointment following this procedure, the cleaned tooth is filled with gutta percha, a biocomposite rubber. A dental filling or cap is adhered to the tooth for added protection and durability.

Root canal therapy saves teeth from extraction and improves patient’s oral health as a result. If left untreated, infected and damaged teeth may fall out or need to be removed for the health of other teeth.

Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation

Have you noticed the symptoms of tooth sensitivity, gum soreness or swelling? Don’t let dental fear stop you from saving a tooth or teeth from extraction. If you want to stop tooth infection at the source, call Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely & Associates at (410) 989-8298 or schedule an appointment with us here.