Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (64)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- bonding (2)
- periodontal disease (2)
- gum disease (14)
- oral health (17)
- osteoporosis (2)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- bleeding gums (1)
- dental implants (7)
- tooth decay (5)
- teeth whitening (4)
- crown (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- (1)
- oral hygiene (19)
- clear aligners (1)
- orthodontics (4)
- diabetes (2)
- orthodontic treatment (12)
- tooth extraction (1)
- periodontal surgery (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- dental erosion (1)
- muscle frenum (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- braces (8)
- tooth grinding (1)
- smile makeover (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- tmd (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dentures (2)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (5)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- nutrition (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- crowns (3)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- retainers (2)
- gum recession (4)
- teeth grinding (3)
- mouthguard (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- fluoride (2)
- pediatric dentistry (6)
- oral cancer (1)
- bad breath (2)
- x-rays (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- tooth pain (2)
- retainer (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- periodontist (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- root canal treatment (6)
- mouthguards (2)
- tooth wear (1)
- GERD (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- bonded retainer (1)
- apicoectomy (1)
- dental implant (3)
- bridge (1)
- teething (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
Categories:
A root canal treatment is a common procedure performed by dentists and endodontists (specialists for inner tooth problems). If you're about to undergo this tooth-saving procedure, here's what you need to know.
The goal of a root canal treatment is to stop tooth decay within a tooth's interior and minimize any damage to the tooth and underlying bone. This is done by accessing the tooth's pulp and root canals (tiny passageways traveling through the tooth roots to the bone) by drilling into the biting surface of a back tooth or the "tongue" side of a front tooth.
First, though, we numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. We'll also place a small sheet of vinyl or rubber called a dental dam that isolates the affected tooth from other teeth to minimize the spread of infection.
After gaining access inside the tooth we use special instruments to remove all of the diseased tissue, often with the help of a dental microscope to view the interior of tiny root canals. Once the pulp and root canals have been cleared, we'll flush the empty spaces with an antibacterial solution.
After any required reshaping, we'll fill the pulp chamber and root canals with a special filling called gutta-percha. This rubberlike, biocompatible substance conforms easily to the shape of these inner tooth structures. The filling preserves the tooth from future infection, with the added protection of adhesive cement to seal it in.
Afterward, you may have a few days of soreness that's often manageable with mild pain relievers. You'll return for a follow-up visit and possibly a more permanent filling for the access hole. It's also likely you'll receive a permanent crown for the tooth to restore it and further protect it from future fracture.
Without this vital treatment, you could very well lose your tooth to the ravages of decay. The time and any minor discomfort you may experience are well worth the outcome.
If you would like more information on treating tooth decay, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know.”