Root Canal Therapy at Exceptional Dental
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 special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime.
Some primary signs and symptoms for root canal therapy include an abscess (or pimple) on the gums, sensitivity to hot and cold, severe toothache pain, and swelling and/or tenderness.
1.
Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
2.
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
3.
Injury or trauma to the tooth.
What Does the Process of Undergoing Root Canal Therapy Involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) is 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 to remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
During the next appointment (usually a week later), the tooth roots and the inside cavity of the tooth are filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling is placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth and a crown (cap) is placed to protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking. This allows the tooth to restore to its full function.
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. Questions about root canal therapy? Fill out the form below!