Endodontics & Root Canals

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex of the root.

 What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?

Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need a root cancal include:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Prolonged/lingering sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
• Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

Procedure for root canal treatment
When we begin the root canal procedure, we  anesthetize the patient with one or more shots of local anesthesia to produce profound numbness. Then, if there is enough left of the crown of the tooth above gum line, (this is not always the case) we put a tiny clamp around the tooth and slip a rubber sheet with a hole in it around the clamp. This is called a rubber dam, and it isolates the tooth from the rest of the mouth. This procedure involves accessing the interior chamber of the tooth. (nerve chamber) Once in the interior of the tooth, the nerve chamber is cleaned, shaped and irrigated before being filled. The filling seals the inside of the tooth and signifies the end of the living tissue The tooth is now ready for a crown.

Call us to learn more about the root canal treatment and whether this option is right for you.