If you’ve ever had an acute toothache, you know how mind-numbing the pain can get. When a tooth is that irritated, chances are it is severely infected. Dental caries begin in the outermost shell of the tooth – the crown or enamel. Usually there is no pain associated with the onset of decay. As the decay progresses, it attacks the next layer which is the dentin. At this point, the tooth may become more sensitive to temperature changes and sweets. As the decay gets closer to the pulp, where the nerve resides, the tooth becomes more sensitive. When it attacks the pulp, then you have a very serious problem. Often times, swelling ensues and an abscess begins to form at the root of the tooth. If this condition is not treated, the infection will progress leading to more tissue damage, acute pain, loss of the tooth and damage to the surrounding bone. At its worst it can seriously affect your overall health without proper family dental care services.

Root canal therapy can save a tooth from extraction. This is one of the most efficient methods of relieving the pain and discomfort of an infected tooth. It also helps relieve the swelling caused by inflammation. The damaged nerve is removed from the tooth and the opening or canal, where the nerve was, is cleaned out ridding the area of harmful bacteria. Once the canal is cleaned, it is filled with an inert material and sealed to keep out more harmful bacteria.