Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a procedure that removes damaged pulp (nerve) tissue from the central part of the tooth, reshapes the canal (tube where the nerve is found) and replaces it with strengthening filler.

A cavity is the result of superficial decay of the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth. Left long enough, this decay can burrow into the deeper reaches of the tooth, causing extensive damage to tooth structure. When the damage goes beyond what can be repaired with a filling, dentists can perform a root canal (or endodontic procedure), preserving the tooth and retaining its original integrity. This allows the dentist to save the tooth that in the past would have to have been pulled.

Procedure:

The tooth is anesthetized (numbed) with local anesthetic.
A dental dam is used to isolate the tooth.
The tooth is opened to allow for removal of infected, damaged or dead dental pulp tissue.
The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, including any cracks and canals.
With special tools, the doctor reshapes the canals.
A medicine is placed in the canals and a temporary filling is placed. The tooth is allowed to recover for approximately 2 weeks.
After the tooth is allowed to recover, the tooth is filled again with cutting edge biocompatible filling material.
The tooth is restored with a special filling consisting of a post and resin filling material.
The tooth MUST have a crown placed as soon as possible.