Root Canal Treatment
Root canals (endodontics) treat disorders of the nerve (also called the pulp) of the tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. In 95 percent of the cases today, however, this is no longer true.
If you have been told a root canal is necessary to save one of your teeth, it is important you understand why this procedure is necessary and what happens during root canal treatment. The facts about root canal treatment Root canal treatment (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (also called the pulp) of the tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. In 95 percent of the cases today, however, this is no longer true. We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing them). We make every effort to help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime! What makes a root canal necessary? The following are the most common factors contributing to a need for root canal treatment:
Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and infected. Bacteria grow within the tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain, sometimes accompanied by swelling of the face. Sometimes the deterioration of the pulp happens so gradually that little pain is felt. Either way, eventually the bacteria can destroy the pulp. As this happens, the bone surrounding the tooth may become infected and abscessed, which may lead to the destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth. What happens during treatment? If we determine through x-rays and a clinical examination that root canal treatment is necessary, we will schedule a series of appointments for you. It is important that you keep these appointments to prevent delays in treatment and healing, which can affect the outcome. It's also essential that you take all antibiotics and medications prescribed to hasten healing and reduce swelling. |
What care follows the treatment? Once the root canal treatment has been completed, you should consider the following:
A final note Throughout your root canal treatment, you may have questions or concerns not covered here. We will make every effort to ensure your comfort during root canal treatment. And we're happy to answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to help you preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime, so you can smile with confidence! |