Root Canals

Patients often hear the phrase “root canal” and associate it with pain. In reality, root canal treatment is a procedure that yields positive results. When a tooth root becomes badly infected, a root canal is often the best solution to fix the problem.

How Do Infections Form?

When teeth are cracked or more susceptible to cavities, infection can reach the inner portion of the tooth.

A tooth’s dental crown is the white portion we can visually see that sits above the gum line. The crown protects sensitive areas underneath. The inner part of the tooth is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, known as the dental pulp.

When bacteria breaks through the dental crown and gets down into the sensitive areas of the tooth, your tooth can develop an infection.  If the infections spread far enough and reach the root of the tooth, a root canal might be the best way to fix the problem.

How Do Root Canals Work?

Once a tooth has been badly infected, there’s a risk for the adjacent teeth to become infected as well. To prevent the infection from spreading and to preserve the function of the infected tooth, dentists can perform root canal therapy.

Before a root canal, local anesthetic will be applied to the area.

During a root canal, the infected pulp of a tooth will be removed. This is done using careful techniques and precise tools. After the infected pulp has been successfully removed, the dentist will then fill in the chamber to seal it off from further infection. Typically, the dentist will also place a crown to completely protect the tooth.

The root canal procedure will leave previously infected teeth intact and able to function like normal teeth for years to come!

Relieve the Pain with a Root Canal Procedure!

Infected teeth are painful. If you suspect your tooth might be infected, contact our office to set up an appointment that can relieve the pain and make your mouth healthy again!