Root Canal Therapy

Dental pulp is the soft area in the center of a tooth where the veins, nerves, and connective tissues are located. If the dental pulp becomes diseased or infected, Dr. Travis E. Hampton may recommend a root canal in Covington, Georgia. Root canal therapy is the process by which our dentists removes the infected dental pulp, cleans the tooth thoroughly, and seals the tooth. Let our dentists know if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe toothache
• Tooth sensitivity
• Discoloration of a tooth
• Swelling and pain in the gums
• A pimple on the gums that will not go away

If the infected dental pulp is not removed, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected. This happens because infected pulp breaks down and bacteria spreads through the pulp chamber. A pus-filled pocket called an abscess may form on the end of the tooth roots. An infected root canal can cause swelling that can spread to the face, neck, or head. Bone loss may occur around the tooth root’s tip. Infected dental pulp can cause drainage problems from the root of the tooth. A hole may form through the side of the tooth, causing drainage into the gums or through the cheek into the skin.