Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures performed by endodontists. Also known as root canal therapy, root canals are performed on teeth with infected pulp to heal the diseased tooth and avoid extraction. This single treatment can help save your natural teeth and prevent you from having to get dental implants or bridges.
At the center of each of your teeth is a collection of blood vessels that provide structure and help form and calcify the tooth as it was growing. This collection of blood vessels is called the pulp. The pulp becomes injured or infected through trauma to the tooth, extensive decay, chipping or cracking, or through repeated dental procedures. Once the pulp becomes infected, it can be identified through visible injury or swelling around the tooth and sensitivity to pressure, pain, or temperature in the tooth and gums.
Root canals are most effective when performed by endodontists. These specialists have spent several years training in advanced therapies and procedures, and are better equipped to perform these dental procedures to save your natural tooth and avoid extraction.
How Root Canal Therapy Works
During root canal therapy, we will remove the infected pulp and thoroughly clean the root to then reshape the canal. To end the root canal, we will seal the tooth by using a biocompatible material and temporary filling. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort and pain the patient may experience during or after treatment. Root canals have an impressive 90% success rate with most procedures taking place in one session. Patients maintain the ability to drive home afterward and return to normal everyday activities shortly after their root canal. In some cases, we may place a crown on the treated tooth to better protect the root canal and ensure you regain full function and strength of your tooth.
For more information on root canal therapy or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (423) 267-1853.
