Root canals are indicated for patients when a cavity has extended beyond the enamel, through the dentin, and into the pulp/nerve of the tooth. The diseased tissue is removed and the canal is filled with an antibacterial to promote healing and minimize risk of reinfection. Following root canals of posterior teeth (molars and premolars), it is often indicated to have a crown placed over the tooth to reduce the risk of fracturing.
At Sager Dental, we generally refer root canals to specialists called Endodontists. The nerves of a tooth are complex and the success rate of a root canal when done by a specialist versus a general dentist are significantly better. Signs that your tooth might need a root canal include but are not limited to: pain when eating, lingering pain to cold drinks/sweets, spontaneous pain, tooth aches that wake you up in the middle of the night.
If your tooth is hurting, please give us a call (409) 200-2539 and we can help determine what treatment may be best for your tooth and refer you to an endodontist if necessary.