Root Canal Therapy Specialist

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a common endodontic treatment that removes infected pulp from the innermost chamber of a tooth. The root portions of your teeth have hollow interiors called canals, which is how this treatment was named. 

Once a dreaded procedure, today’s root canals are safe and painless. The process takes relatively little time to complete and eliminates pain in the treated tooth. 

The interior chamber of each tooth contains a substance called pulp. Your pulp is comprised of a mix of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues, and it plays a critical role in nourishing a developing tooth. 

Once your teeth are fully formed, however, the pulp is no longer needed. That’s why it can be removed and replaced with a synthetic material without compromising the health of the tooth. 

What are some signs I might need a root canal?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when to reach out to a skilled endodontic specialist for treatment. Some of the signs you might need a root canal include:

• Pain when biting down
• Lingering sensitivity to heat or cold, even when the source is removed
• Pimple-like sore on your gums
• Darkened areas of a tooth or gum tissue
• Cracked or chipped tooth
• Swollen or tender gums

A thorough diagnostic exam will determine if you need a root canal, or if another treatment offers a better solution to your needs. 

What happens during a root canal procedure?

When you come in for your root canal, you’ll receive numbing medication to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your treatment. Once you’re numb, your endodontic specialist isolates the tooth to keep it clean and dry. 

Your endodontist creates a small opening in the crown portion of the tooth to gain access to the inner chamber. A series of incredibly small dental tools called files allows them to remove the infected pulp. 

The inner chamber is rinsed to remove lingering traces of pulp. Next, a material called gutta percha is placed within the cleared chamber before a small filling is placed to close the access opening. 

Following root canal therapy, it is often recommended to return to your general dentist to proceed with a crown in order to protect the tooth from crack or fracture.

If you’d like more information about root canals and how they can save an infected tooth, schedule a visit by calling and speaking with a friendly member of the administrative staff.