Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has been infected due to a deep cavity or cracked tooth. The treatment involves removing the pulp and the nerves of the tooth, and cleaning the infected area. If the treatment is not performed, infection builds up at the root tip and the infection of the pulp can spread to the surrounding bone. This results in pain and swelling, and your tooth would likely have to be removed.
What are the signs that a root canal is needed?
What does the treatment involve?
First, an opening is made into the pulp chamber through the crown of the tooth. Once the pulp is removed, the canals are thoroughly cleaned. If the dentist decides to complete the root canal therapy in multiple visits, a temporary filling will be placed to protect the tooth. When you return, the dentist will remove the temporary filling, thoroughly clean the root canals and pulp chamber. Finally the dentist will be permanently fill and seal the pulp chamber. Once the root canal treatment is complete the tooth needs to be fully restored.
What are the signs that a root canal is needed?
- Severe tooth pain while chewing
- Your tooth pain wakes you up at night
- Teeth that are highly sensitive to hot or cold, with the sensitivity lingering for some time.
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swollen gums in the area of the infected tooth
What does the treatment involve?
First, an opening is made into the pulp chamber through the crown of the tooth. Once the pulp is removed, the canals are thoroughly cleaned. If the dentist decides to complete the root canal therapy in multiple visits, a temporary filling will be placed to protect the tooth. When you return, the dentist will remove the temporary filling, thoroughly clean the root canals and pulp chamber. Finally the dentist will be permanently fill and seal the pulp chamber. Once the root canal treatment is complete the tooth needs to be fully restored.
A non-vital (endodontically treated) tooth is more brittle than a vital one and is more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, in most cases, we recommend that your root canal tooth be crownde (capped) following treatment.
Root canal therapy has a high rate of success and many teeth undergoing the procedure can be saved to last a lifetime.
Root canal therapy has a high rate of success and many teeth undergoing the procedure can be saved to last a lifetime.
