Am I a candidate for Root Canal Therapy? | San Francisco CA

root canal therapy

When you’re experiencing severe pain from an infected tooth, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy to eliminate the pain and infection from the tooth, allowing you to retain the tooth with optimal function and aesthetic. Root canal treatment is usually recommended when the inside of your tooth containing the nerve (tooth pulp) has become infected from bacteria, severely swollen from trauma (inflamed), or is dead.

Causes of Tooth Damage

The tooth pulp extends along small channels located in the center of the root tooth (root canal). It may become damaged in the event of:

  • A large or deep filling 
  • Tooth decay 
  • Leakage under an old filling or crown 
  • Cracks or tooth fracture 
  • Trauma from a sports injury, fall, or accident 

Diagnosing a Damaged Tooth 

Common symptoms of pulp infection include:

  • Pain or tenderness when biting or chewing 
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold items 
  • Swelling of the gum near the infected tooth 
  • A loose tooth 
  • Facial swelling 
  • Darkening of the tooth 
  • Fistula (pimple) on the gum 
  • Pain in the jaw or ear

If you experience these symptoms, your dentist may perform an X-ray of the affected tooth to identify the cause of pain or infection. In some cases, antibiotics can be prescribed to treat root canal infections. But if they’re not effective, the dentist may recommend tooth removal or root canal therapy. 

A successful root canal treatment can extend the functional life of your badly damaged tooth, preventing tooth removal and additional treatment to fill the gap. 

Additional Benefits

Other benefits of saving a tooth with root canal therapy include:

  • Preservation of natural teeth 
  • Good bite and efficient chewing 
  • Protecting other teeth from excess wear and tear

After treatment and restoration of the tooth with a crown or onlay, you should avoid chewing on it for a couple of weeks. Otherwise, it doesn’t require any special care, as long as you practice good oral hygiene – flossing, brushing, and regular cleanings and checkups.