Services

Root Canal Treatment

Do you have pain in your tooth?
Do you feel pain in your tooth when biting down, chewing on it, and/or applying hot or cold foods or drinks to the tooth?  If so, you may need root canal treatment.  When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity, fracture that allows bacteria to seep in or injury due to trauma, it can die.  Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and pressure that cannot be releived from inside the tooth, thus causing pain.  Root canal treatment involves the removal of the tooth's pulp, a small thread-like tissue that contains nerve fibers that extends all the way to the end of the root.  Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is sealed off from its surrounding tissues.

What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment involves one or more visits.  There are several steps in the process of endodontic treatment.

• First, local anesthetic will be given to make you more comfortable.  The dentist will then make an opening through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
• The pulp is then removed carefully from both the pulp chamber and root canal(s).  Each root canal is cleaned and shaped to allow it to be filled.
• Next, medication will be placed in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help eliminate bacteria.  Once placed, your dentist will put a temporary filling in the crown opening to prevent saliva from entering the tooth until your next visit.
• At your final visit, either a permanent filling or crown will be placed to strengthen the tooth and improve its appearance.