A handy guide on what a root canal is, how to know if you need one, and what happens during the procedure.

1. G U I D E T O R O O T
C AN AL S
W H AT Y O U S H O U L D K N O W I F Y O U N E E D A
R O O T C AN AL

2. WHAT IS ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE?
A root canal, also known as endodontic
therapy, is a treatment in which a
decayed or infected tooth is saved by
removing the damaged nerve and pulp
from inside the tooth.

3. W H AT C AU S E S A N E E D F O R A
R O O T C AN AL ?
Excessive decay in the tooth which allows bacteria to
infect the nerve
Repeated dental work over the years that weakens the
tooth's nerve
Nerve damage due to trauma to the tooth
A large crack or chip in the tooth

4. S Y M P T O M S I N D I C AT I N G Y O U
N E E D A R O O T C AN AL
SENSITIVITY TO
HOT AND COLD
Lingering pain after eating something
hot or cold may signify deep decay or a
fractured tooth
PAIN IN HEAD,
NECK, OR EAR
Damaged or infected nerves can
cause lingering pain in these
areas
SHARP PAIN WHEN
YOU BITE DOWN
An infection in the inner pulp
layer of the tooth causes sharp
pain and indicates you may
need the infected tissue
removed
SWELLING AROUND
THE TOOTH
May be caused by an abscess of
the tooth root

5. W H Y I T ' S I M P O R T AN T T O R E M O V E
D AM AG E D N E R V E S AN D P U L P
S w e l l i n g t h a t m a y s p r e a d
t o a r e a s o f t h e f a c e ,
n e c k , a n d h e a d
If a tooth's nerve or pulp is damaged because of a trauma-
related injury or excessive decay, bacteria begins to form
inside the tooth causing an infection or abscessed tooth and,
if left untreated, can lead to a host of problems
Bo n e l o s s a r o u n d t h e t i p
o f t h e r o o t
H o l e i n t o o t h t h a t c a u s e s
d r a i n a g e i n t o g u m s o r
t h r o u g h c h e e k
An a b s c e s s , o r p u s - f i l l e d
p o c k e t , t h a t f o r m s o n
r o o t s o f t o o t h

6. T H E R O O T C AN AL P R O C E D U R E
X-rays are taken to see the shape of the root canals and
look for signs of infection
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area
An access hole is drilled in the tooth to remove
decayed nerve tissue, pulp, and bacteria
The root canal is then cleaned with root canal files that
scrub out debris
If there is an infection, medication is applied inside the
tooth
After the tooth is cleaned, it is then sealed to keep out
contaminates
At next appointment, the inside of the tooth is filled
with a sealer paste and the outside hole is filled as well

7. H O W T O P R E V E N T T H E
N E E D F O R A R O O T C AN AL
Br u s h y o u r t e e t h
r e g u l a r l y
F l o s s a f t e r e a c h m e a l
F l u o r i d e i n
t o o t h p a s t e h e l p s
s t r e n g t h e n t e e t h
S c h e d u l e r e g u l a r d e n t i s t
v i s i t s
W e a r a m o u t h g u a r d t o
p r e v e n t t r a u m a t o t e e t h
d u r i n g s p o r t i n g e v e n t s
X - r a y s c a n s e e i n s i d e
t h e t o o t h f o r a n y
d a m a g e

8. C O N T AC T U S T O D AY
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms
mentioned in this slideshare, contact Desert Smiles Cosmetic
& Restorative Dentistry at (602) 734-0050 today. We are
dedicated to helping those who live in Phoenix, Scottsdale,
Peoria, and surrounding areas in Arizona
www.desertsmiles.com
(602) 734-0050