A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed, cracked, traumatized or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

The Dental Operating Microscope that Dr. van As uses is of tremendous benefit in root canal therapy. The high magnification and illumination from the microscope allows him to peer deep into the tooth to help find extra or calcified nerve canals and to more thoroughly treat your tooth the first time it bothers you. The vast majority of root canals can be treated in our office due to the utilization of the microscope.

See section on Microscope Enhanced Dentistry.

What Are the Signs that a Root Canal Is Needed?

Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs to look for include:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
• Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums