Root Canal Therapy

What is a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 16 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for an extraction or tooth replacement with dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is the dental pulp, a collection of blood vessels and nerves. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, tooth decay, cracks, or large fillings. Symptoms of an inflamed or infected pulp may include sensitivity to temperatures, spontaneous throbbing pain, chewing pain, or swelling of surrounding gum tissue.

If you experience these symptoms, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. A root canal is simply the removal of the diseased pulp, disinfecting the pulp space and sealing filling material.   Treatment is performed using local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort.  Nitrous oxide gas,  oral sedation or IV sedation is also possible for patients with dental anxiety.

Additional information regarding endodontic treatment can be obtained from the American Association of Endodontists at www.aae.org/patients

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a treatment report will be sent to your referring dentist. Please contact their office to schedule an appointment to restore the tooth as soon as possible.  Your restorative dentist will decide what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience acute complications after routine endodontic treatment. If a problem does occur, we are available at all times to assist you.