Root Canals
Root Canals, or endodontic therapy, preserves your dental health
Root canals are important procedures performed to treat and preserve teeth with infected roots. The live portion of the tooth that extends into the root is called the pulp and contains nerve endings and tissue. When the pulp becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling, and can lead to total tooth loss unless treated. Root canals remove the damaged parts of the tooth and the infected pulp. Antibiotics are often prescribed to help prevent further infection within the tooth. The portion of the tooth that remains may be restored using a cap or crown to provide a natural appearance and normal tooth function.
Root Canal FAQ’s
You will need a root canal if decay or damage has allowed bacteria to infect the pulp inside your tooth. A root canal is often the right treatment to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible and to avoid extracting the entire tooth. If you are in discomfort and think you may need a root canal, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to prevent further damage.
The first step will involve a local anesthetic. Once your tooth root is numb, the diseased portion of your tooth pulp will be removed and treated for bacterial infection. The tooth will then be filled with gutta percha and, normally, sealed with a crown.
It is normal for a tooth to become inflamed after a root canal, potentially causing some sensitivity for several days after treatment. However, normal brushing and flossing habits can be resumed immediately after the treatment is complete.
