Root Canal Therapy

Overview

Root canal treatment is an often straightforward procedure to relieve dental pain and save your teeth. Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection in the nerve tissue of a tooth. During root canal treatment, the dentist will carefully remove the pulp inside the tooth, cleans, disinfects and shapes the root canals, and places a filling to seal the space.

Causes and Symptoms of Root Canal Infections

The visible portion of our teeth consists of three basic layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The dense, highly mineralized layer of enamel serves as a protective barrier that prevents bacteria from reaching the dentin and inner portions of the tooth. When bacteria (whether due to an advanced cavity, a loose filling, or injury) reaches the sensitive inner bundle of nerves, blood vessels, and tissue within the tooth, a root canal infection can result. Tooth causes the tissue within the pulp to swell, which places pressure on the nerves. A root canal infection can be quite painful. This is one reason why patients report finding immediate relief once one of our doctors administers local anesthesia. Other symptoms of root canal infection include swelling of nearby gum tissue, heightened tooth sensitivity, and discomfort when eating or drinking.

One way to prevent root canal infections is through practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting our office twice a year for cleanings and checkups. These regular visits are highly affordable. Our office offers weekly specials, most insurance plans, and an affordable discount program.

Treatment Overview

Your root canal procedure will be treated as a dental emergency. Early intervention and treatment are critical to ensuring that your infection does not spread or cause the loss of your tooth. Soon after you arrive, one of our doctors will administer local anesthesia, which will numb the painful symptoms of your root canal infection. Our office also offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Both sedation options place patients in a dream-like state so they can relax throughout their procedure.

Once you are comfortable, a small hole will be drilled into the top of your tooth. Once your dentist reaches the infected inner pulp, the diseased tissue will be removed and the remaining cavity will be cleaned and sanitized before a special material is placed within it. An inlay, onlay, or crown will seal your tooth and prevent the return of infection. You will be given recovery guidelines and released to return home to rest. Most patients enjoy a full recovery that allows them to retain their natural tooth.