Root Canals

When an abscess forms within a tooth, a root canal is performed to remove the abscess and hopefully save the natural tooth. A root canal is done by drilling a hole in the tooth and then drilling out the pulp within the tooth, as well as any other infected tissue. Once the tooth is cleaned, the canal is then filled with a tough, plastic substance called gutta-percha. Often times posts are inserted to help stabilize the tooth before a filling is then placed over the hole in the tooth. Finally, the tooth is restored with a crown over the natural tooth.

What Happens When a Root Canal Treatment Fails

If you’ve had a root canal, but are again experiencing pain in that area, it may need to be cleaned again. In many cases another root canal to remove the infected tissue is sufficient, but when that isn’t an option, an apicoectomy may be needed. An apicoectomy is performed by cutting a flap in the soft tissue above the tooth, then removing the affected root. While this procedure is done by a specialist, we can help diagnose any problems associated with a past root canal.

Is it an Abscess?

An abscess is a collection of pus within the mouth caused by an infection. Some of the accompanying symptoms of an abscess are:

• Small, painful bump, much like a pimple, on your gums
• Other symptoms include bad breath, fever
• Does not go away without medical attention