Why would I need a root canal?
Jul 2nd, 2008 by Dr. Kourosh Maddahi DDS
When a cavity hits a nerve a root canal is need. Often the nerve is infected or has been damaged due to trauma. Some of the symptoms may include extreme sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods, or pain when you are not chewing, eating or drinking anything. Another symptom can include pulsating pain or an infection at the top or bottom of the root because of the dead nerve.
During a root canal, the nerve is removed, cleaned and sterilized. Then a filling, which is a plastic or a compatible material like calcium hydroxide, is used to seal the root to prevent infection.