
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure that addresses damaged or diseased teeth. Root canals are routine procedures that involve clearing inflamed and infected pulp and removing bacteria from the root canals.
The Root Canal Procedure
The first step in a root canal is opening the tooth's crown to access its interior. The dentist removes the inflamed and infected pulp inside the tooth and cleans the canals.
At Fine Dental Care, we use laser and conventional dental procedures to eliminate bacteria inside the tooth. We feel that this is extremely important and a highly effective approach resulting in a decreased chance of needing a repeated root canal. In addition, we use CBCT scans to see the canals in three dimensions. Many root canals fail because canals are missed without the use of this special technology.
The dentist uses files to clean and shape the inside of the canals to prevent reinfection. They fill the tooth with material to seal its interior away from food, plaque, and saliva. The tooth will then need a post and core to make the tooth strong enough to support a crown long term.
After the root canal is finished, the dentist will place a permanent crown over the root canal site during a follow-up visit.
Benefits of A Root Canal
- Relieve Pain: Teeth that need root canal treatment are often quite painful. Getting treatment allows the patient to chew, talk, and relax without pain.
- Save Natural Teeth from Extraction: Frequently, broken or infected teeth are salvageable with root canal treatment. Getting a tooth extracted and receiving an implant or bridge is more expensive and time-consuming than a root canal.
- Preserve Jawbone Strength: Extracting teeth weakens the jawbone, especially when you can't replace a tooth immediately. A root canal prevents jawbone loss.
Are You a Good Candidate for A Root Canal?
If you have dental pain, you may need a root canal. Your dentist will evaluate your tooth and decide whether a root canal makes sense or whether you should have the tooth extracted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some symptoms of a tooth that needs a root canal are severe pain when biting or chewing, swellings or pimples on the gums, and significant sensitivity to heat and cold.
Visit the dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will be able to evaluate your tooth and let you know whether a root canal is appropriate or whether you should receive another type of treatment.