Root Canals —
Save Your Smile

A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the center of the tooth to save it from decay or infection. The tooth’s nerve, known as the pulp, can become inflamed or infected while the exterior of the tooth remains intact.

If you are experiencing any kind of pain in the mouth, it is always important to visit your dentist. Root canal treatment is determined based on an X-ray that your dentist will take of your mouth to see if there is damage to the pulp.

Signs that you require root canal treatment:

First, you will have an initial consultation with Dr. Sarah Latterell. We’ll assess the current condition of your teeth, and advise whether you require a root canal.

Your dentist will take an X-ray of your teeth to determine the shape of the root canal and how severe the infection is. The procedure may require a local anesthetic.

Your dentist will drill into the tooth to access the canals. They will then remove anything that is infected or decayed and clean the area inside of the tooth. If there is an infection, the dentist may insert a medication or antibiotic into the cavities. Once cleaned, the area is then sealed.

If the procedure cannot be completed in one appointment, your dentist will create a temporary filling in the hole to prevent exposure to any saliva or bacteria. At the final appointment, a paste or rubber will be placed into the root canal, and the hole is then sealed again.

Your dentist will check-in with you a few days after your procedure to ensure infection is gone. Any temporary fillings will now be replaced with a permanent restoration such as a crown to restore the tooth and protect from further damage.

Book an appointment with Dr. Sarah Latterell who will be happy to answer any questions you have about root canals, and give you a quote for the treatment.