Root canals are the most common dental procedures performed by endodontists. Root canal treatments are performed on teeth with inflamed or infected pulp in order to heal the diseased tooth, preserve natural dentition and avoid extraction.
At the center of each of your teeth is a collection of blood vessels and nerves that provide structure and help form and calcify the tooth as it was growing. This collection of blood vessels and nerves is called the pulp. The pulp becomes injured or infected through trauma to the tooth, extensive decay, chipping or cracking, or through repeated dental procedures. Once the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, the tooth becomes symptomatic, painful, spontaneous or provoked by thermal stimuli or during mastication. Swelling around the gums or face can be present as well.
Root canals are highly successful when performed by endodontists. Root canal specialists have additional training years in advanced therapies being better equipped to perform these dental procedures to save your natural tooth and avoid extraction.
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How Root Canal Therapy Works
During root canal therapy, we will remove the infected pulp and thoroughly clean the root to then reshape the canal. To end the root canal, we will seal the tooth by using a biocompatible material and temporary filling. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort and pain the patient may experience during or after treatment. Root canals have an impressive 90% success rate with most procedures taking place in one session. Patients maintain the ability to drive home afterward and return to normal everyday activities shortly after their root canal. In some cases, we may place a crown on the treated tooth to better protect the root canal and ensure you regain full function and strength of your tooth.
For more information on root canal therapy or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (630) 426-7365.