Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment, which is also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure that is provided when the inside of a tooth becomes infected. This treatment is specifically designed to save a dying tooth from extraction and restore its overall health. If this treatment is not provided in time, the infected tooth will begin to rot from the inside and eventually die.

The primary goal of a root canal is to remove the tooth’s infected inner pulp. Every tooth contains a soft inner structure beneath its hard enamel exterior. This inner material is called the pulp, and it is filled with blood vessels, connective tissues and nerves. If the pulp becomes damaged or infected, very serious consequences can follow, including the loss of the tooth. When this issue occurs, root canal treatment is often the only way to save the tooth.

Some signs that root canal treatment may be needed include:

• Intense toothache
• Temperature sensitivities
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swollen gums
• Abscesses on the gums

When providing root canal treatment, we start by providing a digital X-ray of the injured tooth. This is the best way to determine the extent of the damage. We will then apply a local anesthetic to the area. This will numb the site and prevent the patient from experiencing discomfort during the procedure. The final step of preparation is to apply a rubber sheet around the tooth. This is known as a dental dam, and it is designed to keep the tooth dry and to prevent the infection from spreading during the root canal procedure.

Once the preparations are complete, advanced dental will be used to access the inside of the tooth from the top. This will allow us to clean out the infected and decayed pulp. Once the tooth is entirely clean, an antimicrobial liquid will be used to flush out the root canals. Medicated fillings will then be applied to encourage healing and to seal off the treated structure. The last step is to apply a dental crown over the tooth. The crown will provide strength for the tooth and prevent breakages or fractures from occurring later on. In most cases, the patient should expect their treated tooth to make a complete recovery.

If you are suffering from an infected tooth, you may require root canal treatment. Our experts can examine your injured tooth and determine the best course of action. Please call us at (239) 437-8900 to schedule an appointment.