Sometimes after a tooth has suffered from trauma or a cavity, the nerve inside the tooth will become irritated and can even die. This can result in a tooth ache, swelling, temperature sensitivity, or even a pimple on the gums. If this happens, the tooth may need a root canal.
In a root canal procedure, the doctor will numb the area and make a small hole in the tooth, called an “access.” Through the access, the doctor will enter the tooth and remove the inflamed nerve and infected tooth structure. The inside of the tooth will be rinsed with a germ-killing rinse, and the tunnels where the nerve used to be are filled with a rubbery material that seals out bacteria and moisture. Once this is done, the tooth can be filled. In many cases, teeth that have had root canals will require a crown (cap) to help reinforce what is left of the tooth and prevent it from breaking.
