Getting a root canal may sound scary, but with modern dental techniques and technology, root canals are one of the most successful and pain-free procedures you can get.
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What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that has become infected or damaged deep inside. When the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause severe pain and lead to abscess formation if untreated. During a root canal, the damaged pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The tooth is then sealed with a special material to prevent future infection. After the procedure, the tooth is usually restored with a crown or filling to return it to full function. This treatment helps preserve your natural tooth and relieve pain, allowing you to maintain your smile's health and appearance.
Did you know…
A root canal can save you from requiring a more invasive procedure, like an extraction.
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Exams and Radiographs
Before undergoing treatment, Dr. Anderson will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and review any radiographs or 3-D images to diagnose the condition. If your condition has been caused by damage to the dental pulp he will determine the extent of the damage and discuss whether or not root canal therapy can treat the problem.
Local Anesthesia and Sedation options
Once treatment has been initiated, your tooth will be profoundly numbed with local anesthetics. Advanced techniques will ensure that you will not feel anything during the procedure. For those with acute dental anxiety, various sedation options including nitrous oxide and oral sedatives can be administered for your comfort.
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Cleaning and disinfection
First your doctor will remove any decay that’s present and make a small access into the center of the tooth. Specialized instruments are used inside of the canals to remove any inflamed or infected tissue, and disinfecting irrigation solutions are employed to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Restoration
Once cleaned, the canals are sealed internally with a biocompatible material to replace the missing pulp and seal the canals from leakage. Your tooth will then be restored, as requested by your referring dentist, with either a temporary or permanent filling. You may then need to follow up with your referring dentist for the final restoration such as a crown.
Get Out Of Pain Today
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer affordable emergency dental exams, on the same-day if possible, so you don’t need to wait to get the care you need.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Relieve Tooth Pain
Instantly alleviate your toothache by clearing out any infected or decayed material.
Stop The Spread Of Infection
Left untreated, infection can spread to other parts of your mouth, and even the rest of your body.
Save Your Tooth
Restore the health of your tooth, and avoid the need for a more drastic procedure like an extraction.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Diagnostics & Preparation
To find the source of your dental pain, your endodontist will begin by performing a comprehensive exam and review of your x-rays to get a complete picture of your oral health. If your tooth is infected, they will determine the extent of the infection to decide if root canal therapy will be an effective treatment.
If you end up needing a root canal, your endodontist will begin the therapy by numbing the treatment site, all the way down to the nerves. Your endodontist will discuss sedation options with you before starting the procedure.
Removing Decay & Infected Pulp
Once you’re comfortable and fully numbed, your endodontist will begin the process of removing any decayed or infected material. Beginning with the enamel, your endodontist will move inwards, toward the pulp. Once the infected pulp has been cleared out, the canals will be cleaned with a special disinfectant to eliminate any remaining infection.
Filling & Sealing
Once your tooth has been completely cleaned and sanitized, the interior will be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. An inert material, gutta-percha replaces the extracted pulp and helps support the tooth and maintain its structure. Once the interior of the tooth has been filled, it will be restored with a temporary filling to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration is placed by a general dentist.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need root canal therapy?
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Root canal therapy is required if your tooth becomes infected, which most often happens one of two ways: A serious cavity can eat away at the outer layers of your enamel and dentin until it reaches the pulp. Once the pulp, which is responsible for keeping your tooth alive, is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria and becomes infected. Dental trauma that cracks or chips a tooth can expose the nerve and blood vessel-filled pulp to oral bacteria. If left untreated, either situation will lead to the infection, decay, and eventual death of your tooth’s pulp. When the infection starts to take hold, you’ll likely begin experiencing an array of symptoms like a toothache, inflamed gums near the tooth, and tooth sensitivity.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
No! Although it’s a common myth that root canal therapy hurts, it’s actually the toothache caused by infection that is painful. With modern dental techniques and technology, a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling.Not only will your mouth be numbed completely, but you can also opt to be sedated during the procedure. Overall, root canal therapy is the best way to alleviate the pain and discomfort of an infected tooth.
Can root canal treatment fail? What happens if it does?
Although it’s rare, root canal treatment can fail. If there is any remaining bacteria or decay left behind that wasn’t removed during the initial root canal, the tooth infection may return. If this happens to you, you’ll need to have another root canal to ensure the infection is completely removed and doesn’t have a chance to return again.
Do I always need a dental crown after a root canal?
While crowns are generally the best way to protect your tooth after a root canal, and are always the recommendation for your posterior teeth, they are not always necessary. If there is enough enamel left on front teeth that have gotten a root canal, a filling may be used instead of a crown.
Is root canal therapy covered by insurance?
Root canal therapy is usually covered, at least in part, by most dental insurance plans. However, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with your insurance provider to gain a thorough understanding of your benefits, and to find out what type of treatments are covered.
