Root canal therapy is an important dental restoration which saves failing teeth from extraction. Comfortable and effective, a root canal 
takes just two visits to your dentist, Dr. Julie Forte and her team at Forte Family Dentistry in Berkley. Really--just two visits!
What is a root canal?
A root canal is part of your tooth's natural anatomy. It contains connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. There may be up to four roots, and therefore, four root canals, per tooth.
Unfortunately, these interior canals are subject to bacterial invasion from decay or injury. Over time, the pulp becomes inflamed and infected, and toothache pain results.
At Forte Family Dentistry in Berkley, your dentist determines the extent of dental damage and may recommend a root canal procedure to clean out the tooth, seal it and cover it with a realistic porcelain crown. Dr. Forte performs root canal therapy in its entirety in her office. Most people need only local anesthetic, but some patients benefit from oral conscious sedation (tranquilizers) for added relaxation and relief of any anxiety.
Annually, American patients undergo about 15 million root canal procedures, says the American Association of Endodontists. The treatments are highly successful, relieve pain, and allow patients to keep their natural teeth.
Signs you may need a root canal
Some ailing teeth show no obvious signs of trouble. That's why regular check-ups at Forte Family Dentistry are so important.
However, other teeth may be very symptomatic. These danger signs may include:
- Toothache pain (severe and throbbing)
- Jaw and gum swelling
- Dental sensitivity to cold, heat, and sugar
- A pimple on the gums
- Tender, swollen gums
- Drainage which smells and tastes bad
- Bad breath which persists
- Enamel discoloration
- A crack or chip obvious upon inspection or X-ray
- Extensive and deep decay
- Multiple fillings in a single tooth (along with filling breakdown)
Living with your restored tooth
Teeth restored with root canal therapy usually last for many years--even decades. Key to their useful lives is:
- Daily flossing and twice daily brushing to keep crown margins free of plaque and tartar
- Six-month examinations and cleanings at Forte Family Dentistry
- Consuming a low-sugar, high-fiber diet
Don't worry
If you do need root canal therapy, Dr. Julia Forte and her team will care for both you and your tooth so well you'll both thrive. Call Forte Family Dentistry in Berkley, MI, any time you have a question or a concern about the health of a particular tooth. We're here to help! The office phone number is (248) 546-2030.