Let me start with saying that we like to avoid root canals as much as we can! Minimally invasive dentistry is our goal with every patient and procedure.
However, at times, a root canal is one of not so many options that is left for a badly decayed, traumatized or infected tooth. The excruciating pain of an infected tooth occurs when its nerve center has been affected. Every tooth has a nerve and blood supply that sits inside the tooth. It is called pulp. When a tooth becomes infected the diseased pulp needs to be removed and tooth thoroughly cleaned inside. If left untreated an infection can turn into an abscess at the base of the root and give rise to a life-threatening emergency. The latter often presents as swelling of the facial tissues, while toxins enter the bloodstream, fever and rapid bone loss in the jaw.
Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry that is associated with fear and pain. However the advances in dental technology make it painless. The procedure will also relieve you from pain caused by the infection allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love without any pain from heat, cold, or biting too hard.
In addition to our technology we created an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation in the office that calms you down while we bring your infected tooth back to health.
In our office we do one visit root canal therapy routinely unless medical necessity dictates otherwise.
If you are experiencing pain in your mouth please call us today!
Procedure:
The procedure for the root canal itself is pretty straightforward and very routine. The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure. The dentist then gains an access into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. They will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the space is filled with a sealant called gutta percha. It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal is fitted with a crown or an onlay. This will improve the appearance and strength of the tooth, and will also make it much more likely that the root canal is successful.
If you are experiencing symptoms ranging from sensitivity to throbbing pain please call us for a consult. In case of emergency schedule now!