ENDODONTICS

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What is a Root Canal?

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When the soft living tissue inside the tooth becomes infected with bacteria, it's now time to stop the infection with root canal treatment. Infection inside the tooth happens when decay extends deep enough to reach the tooth’s pulp. If the decay infects the pulp, the pulp, nerve, and blood supply of the tooth needs to be removed. If we allow conditions to persist, infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, causing swelling, abscess, and bone loss.

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Procedure Overview

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Your dentist will start by numbing your tooth and the surrounding area with local anesthesia. The tooth will be isolated and a small access hole will be created to gain access to the pulpal chamber.  Removal of all pulpal tissue, infected nerve and blood supply would be done with hand files. A disinfectant will be used to cleanse the inside of the tooth. Gutta-percha is the material of choice to seal and fill the roots of the tooth.

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Aftercare

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Because the nerve and blood supply has been removed from the tooth, the tooth will become brittle. A crown will be important to place over your root canal treated tooth in order to withstand the pressures of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. Although your crown will provide your tooth structural support with superior strength, meticulous oral hygiene is still necessary to ensure your tooth canal success. Proper home care should be discussed to stabilize bone and promote healthy gums.

 

Call us today with any questions.