Root Canal Therapy

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Endodontic therapy, more commonly referred to as a root canal, is a relatively painless procedure that treats infection in your bone and tissues. 

When the pulp tissue inside your teeth and roots are exposed due to a crack or a deep cavity, endodontic therapy is necessary to remedy pain, infection, and further damage. 

This infection is not only a threat to your mouth but also your overall health. That is why it is essential to treat the infection before it spreads.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal:

• Severe toothache
• Pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
• Dark discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums

What to expect from a Root Canal

Endodontic therapy involves one to three visits to our office, where we will remove the affected tissue. After these sessions, we will be able to clean and seal the cavity or crack. 

Lastly, the affected tooth is filled with a dental composite. In some cases of extreme decay, we may plant a crown over the original tooth. This crown will strengthen and protect your tooth from further infection, breakage, sand pain.

What If My Tooth Needs to Be Extracted?

Most teeth can be saved by endodontic therapy. However, tooth extraction may be necessary if:

• Roots are severely fractured
• The tooth does not have adequate bone support
• The tooth cannot be restored
• Root canals are not accessible

One of our goals as dentists is to help you keep all of your natural teeth as long as possible. However, if your tooth is beyond saving, we can recommend alternative options such as implants to replace your missing tooth. 

What Happens If My Root Canal Didn’t Heal Properly?

As with any medical procedure, root canals are not always 100% effective with the first treatment. If your tooth did not heal properly, placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed, or new decay has formed, you may need endodontic retreatment in order to save your tooth.

What is the Endodontic Retreatment Procedure?

First, our doctors will discuss your options, whether retreatment is an option of if extraction would be a better choice. If you opt for retreatment, the doctor will reopen your tooth, clean it, and seal it again. Then the crown will be placed in the next visit.