Why would I need a root canal procedure?

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerve, bacteria, and any decay are removed, the resulting space is filled with special medicated, dental materials which restore the tooth to its full function.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy are an abscess on the gums, sensitivity to hot and cold, severe toothache pain, swelling an/or tenderness, but sometime no symptoms are present.

Having a root canal done is the treatment of choice to save a tooth which would otherwise would die or need extraction. A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be preformed by your dentist or referred to an endodontisit (a root canal specialist). While the tooth is numbed a rubber dam will be placed around the tooth to keep the area dry and free of saliva. As access opening is made on top the tooth and series of root canal files are placed into the opening, removing the pulp, nerve tissue anad bacteria. Once the tooth is thoughty cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed with xrays, a temporary filling will be placed and a prescription ordered.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavbity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. All teeth that have root canal therapy should have a crown placed, which will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and restore it to its full function. You will be given care instrucitons after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practice and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.