What is a Root Canal?

At one time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called a root canal therapy you may save that tooth.

Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth. It runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it.

After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.

Most of the time, a root canal procedure is relatively simple with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!

Call Hall Family Dentistry for dental services that include a root canal procedure and the advanced technologies to help save your tooth.

Endodontics – What Does the Treatment Involve?

It is a procedure to find the cause and treat problems of the tooth's soft core (the dental pulp). Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, endodontics treatment has given dentists a safe way of saving teeth.

The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.

An abscessed (infected) tooth is caused by tooth decay. When the pulp is diseased or injured and can't repair itself, it dies.

The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let germs (bacteria) enter the pulp causing an infection inside the tooth. Left without endodontics treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth.

When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jaw bones. Without endodontics treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.

A Root Canal Procedure Can Help Save Your Tooth

Root canal treatment often involves from one to three visits.

Your tooth is saved through a root canal procedure. An opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber. The pulp is then removed. The root canal is cleaned and shaped to a form that can be filled. Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help prevent infection.

A temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed. The final steps include the following:

• The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled
• In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth
• The crown of the tooth is then restored

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain that persists for extended periods of time, call Hall Family Dentistry to schedule an examination to determine if you require a root canal procedure. 480-345-0991