Root Canals

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be cause by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, clenching and/or grinding, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as: visible injury or swelling around the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, we will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp.

How is a root canal performed? This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and filled with an inert material. Following this they are sealed to prevent any subsequent infection. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We can provide sedation such as nitrous oxide while completing endodontic therapy if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine. For patients with severe dental fear, we offer IV sedation options as well. Once the root canal therapy has been completed, the tooth typically is fully restored with a crown.