Root Canals
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal involves taking out the inside pulp of an infected tooth. The pulp is responsible for housing all of the blood supply and nerves that are essential for retaining the vitality of the tooth. If the pulp becomes infected by decay or has been exposed, we’ll recommend that it be removed. Removal of a pulp helps to eliminate any pain you’re experiencing while keeping the tooth’s structure in place.
Why might a Root Canal be necessary?
The majority of our patients who need root canals are because a cavity was able to progress to the point of affecting the inner pulp. When this happens, you may experience severe pain and sensitivity to hot and cold liquids. It may even be difficult for you to bite down on the area without a sharp, shocking pain. Another reason for requiring a complete root canal is due to a tooth cracking or breaking just enough to expose this pulp.
Who might be a good candidate for a Root Canal?
There are a few ways to tell if you might need a root canal. Most patients experience pain, sensitivity and a sharp pain whenever any pressure is put onto the tooth. We can determine if root canal therapy is necessary by taking x-rays and performing an exam. It’s recommended to have root canals done as soon as possible to prevent the toothache from getting much worse.
What can you expect during the Root Canal procedure?
Our root canal therapy begins with local anesthetic that is meant to numb the entire tooth and area. We isolate the tooth using a rubber dental dam. The decay is removed using a slow speed drill and the pulp is taken out of the tooth with uniquely shaped dental instruments. The thin canals of the tooth’s roots are scraped clean to eradicate any possible remaining pulp. We then fill these canals with a special medicated material known as gutta-percha. The tooth is closed with a composite filling and you’ll be ready to leave the office pain-free.
If you think you might need a root canal, contact us now so that we can get you into our practice as soon as it is possible.