Root Canal Treatment
In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you’d probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal treatment, you may save that tooth.
Inside each tooth is the pulp which is also called the “dental nerve”. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. If left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess. Certain by-products of the infection can injure your jawbones and your overall health. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
Treatment often involves from one to three visits. During treatment, our dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp. Then the pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are cleaned and sealed. Often posterior teeth that have endodontic treatment should have a cast crown placed in order to strengthen the remaining structure. Then, as long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups so that the root(s) of the restored tooth are well maintained, your restored tooth can last much longer even a lifetime.
Most of the time, the anterior tooth root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure while posterior tooth root canal treatment is more challenged one. Our experience dentist can help you with most cases. Best of all, root canal treatment can save your tooth and your smile!