Root Canal Therapy
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Did you know…
About 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to misconceptions about dental procedures.
How it works: The root canal treatment process
Exam & X-Rays
Before you undergo any treatment, your dentist will examine your mouth and review any x-rays or other images to diagnose the cause of your toothache. If the cause turns out to be a tooth infection or inflammation, your doctor will determine the extent of the damage and decide if root canal therapy can treat the problem.
Local Anesthesia & Sedation Options
To start things off, your dentist will numb the treatment site, all the way down to the nerves, with local anesthesia. If you would like to be sedated during the procedure, your doctor will help you decide what kind of sedation will be best for you.
Removing Decay & Infected Pulp
Once the treatment area is sufficiently numb, your dentist will begin removing any decayed material beginning with the enamel. They will continue towards the center of the tooth and remove any nerve tissue from inside the tooth. Once the interior of the tooth’s canals have been thoroughly cleaned, the area is flushed with disinfectant to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Filling The Root Canals
To fill the space left in the empty nerve canal, the interior of the tooth will be filled with “gutta-percha,” an inert, rubber-like material that supports the inside of the tooth to maintain its structure.
Sealing Or Capping The Tooth
Depending on how much enamel was removed during the procedure, the appearance and function of the tooth will be restored with either a filling or a dental crown by the general dentist. Typically, the tooth is crowned for strength and to ensure a tight seal of the root canal.
REASONS FOR ROOT CANAL THERAPY
Severe Tooth Decay
The decay is extensive, in or approaching the root canal system.
Fractured teeth
Any fracture in the tooth is an invitation for bacteria to enter the root areas and cause infection, eventually compromising the entire tooth.
Did you know…
Around 25 million root canals are performed every year.
Have questions about root canal therapy? Find answers here.
Do I need a root canal?
If you’re experiencing a tooth infection, chances are you will need root canal therapy. Tooth infections generally happen one of two ways:
- Cavities can eat away at the outer layers of your enamel and into your dentin. The decay will eventually reach the interior of the tooth to expose the vulnerable pulp to infection-causing bacteria.
- Dental trauma can create a chip or a crack in the enamel and dentin, creating an opening for bacteria to enter the nerve and blood vessel-filled pulp.
No matter how the infection occurs, it will cause the pulp to become inflamed and eventually die. When this happens, you’ll experience a toothache, potential gum inflammation near the tooth, and tooth sensitivity to temperature and pressure.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
These days, root canal treatment is comfortable and pain-free. The tooth is numb for the entire procedure (and some hours after), and any discomfort after the procedure is typically well controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. Most people find that having a root canal is similar to having a filling done and, if they had a toothache prior to the procedure, they are relieved to find that it is gone with the removal of the nerve and infected tissue. If you are nervous about having a root canal, we can set your mind at ease to help you have a comfortable, pain-free experience in our office.
Can root canal treatment fail and what happens if it does?
Root canals are one of the most effective dental treatments available, but in rare cases, the treatment can fail for a number of reasons. For instance, if the temporary filling we place is left for an extended amount of time, it eventually allows bacteria in the saliva to enter and re-infect the root canal. Symptoms of this include extreme pressure sensitivity and swelling in gums below the tooth. If the tooth becomes infected again, endodontic retreatment is recommended. During this procedure, your tooth will be reopened, and the root canal process will be repeated to ensure that the infected material is completely removed.
Do I always need a crown with a root canal?
Not always, although dental crowns are usually the best way to protect your tooth after getting a root canal. They are almost always recommended for posterior teeth (molars and premolars). In special cases, fillings can also be used to restore anterior (front) teeth. Your general dentist will let you know what kind of restoration is best for you after your root canal has been completed.
Is root canal therapy covered by insurance?
Root canal therapy is generally covered, at least in part, by most major dental insurance providers. However, it’s best to consult with your own insurance provider to gain an understanding of your benefits.
Did you know…
Root canal therapy can save you from needing more complex, invasive treatments.