Root Canal Therapy |
Adapted from AAE.org
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with medicated dental materials, restoring the tooth to its full function. Root canal therapy may have been a difficult procedure years ago, but with modern techniques and anesthesia, getting a root canal has become as routine of a procedure as getting a cavity filled. Severe toothaches happen when the tissue inside your tooth becomes damaged, and an endodontist, who specializes in managing dental pain, can remove this tissue through root canal therapy in a procedure that is quick and comfortable. Left untreated, this damaged tissue could lead to needing an extraction, costly bridge work, and implants down the road. Extracting a tooth can also cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Our doctors at Martin Endodontics provide a painless, fast experience when performing root canal therapy.
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with medicated dental materials, restoring the tooth to its full function. Root canal therapy may have been a difficult procedure years ago, but with modern techniques and anesthesia, getting a root canal has become as routine of a procedure as getting a cavity filled. Severe toothaches happen when the tissue inside your tooth becomes damaged, and an endodontist, who specializes in managing dental pain, can remove this tissue through root canal therapy in a procedure that is quick and comfortable. Left untreated, this damaged tissue could lead to needing an extraction, costly bridge work, and implants down the road. Extracting a tooth can also cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Our doctors at Martin Endodontics provide a painless, fast experience when performing root canal therapy.
The following are symptoms that might indicate the need for root canal therapy
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Here are a few causes of the tissue damage that may lead to needing root canal therapy
- Decay that has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess that has developed inside the tooth and reached the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and should be performed by an endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
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Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed. At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, restoring it to its full function.
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After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth heals.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
For more information on root canal therapy, please visit AAE.org.
Heard some root canal rumors? Dispel the myths here.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
For more information on root canal therapy, please visit AAE.org.
Heard some root canal rumors? Dispel the myths here.