Root Canal (Endodontics)
Root Canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing infection and the nerves from the roots of teeth. A root canal is often necessary to save an infected tooth. If an infected tooth is left alone for a period of time, an abscess will form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex (tip) of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this problem before it deteriorates too far. After a root canal is completed you will need to schedule for a crown to prevent fracture and loss of the tooth.
Roots are like pipes with nerves and blood vessels inside. A root canal cleans and shapes the inside making it smooth and sterilized with no nerves or bacteria remaining.
Process
There will be 1 or 2 appointments depending what we find during treatment. Sometimes we will place medicine inside the roots and wait 2 weeks to complete the root canal.
1. Anesthesia! The most important part. We will place a rubber dam, which will isolate the tooth and allow us to sterilize the inside of the roots and not allow any of your saliva to enter the area. We will also give you a mouth prop to bite on so you do not have to strain to stay open, it is much more comfortable! We will use a variety of small files precisely shaped to fit into the canals of your roots and sterilize as we work. If we do not need to place medicine, we will seal the inside of the roots with a material called gutta percha, it is a natural material that is antibacterial. Next you will have a core filling placed. A crown will be placed at a subsequent appointment to prevent fracture.
2. If it is determined that medicine is needed in the roots, we will place this and place a temporary filling. You will return in approximately 2 weeks for the completion of the root canal as described above.
Why do I need a crown?
When a tooth needs a root canal it is already weak from the infection or fracture that is present. The tooth will eventually break even without a root canal. A crown strengthens a tooth and prevents fracture and is always needed after a root canal is completed. This may be done at a separate visit within 2 weeks. If a tooth fractures after a root canal it must be extracted, therefore the crown is very important to prevent this!
Why do I need a root canal?
There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include, but are not limited to, a very deep cavity (bacterial infection) that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve.
Roots are like pipes with nerves and blood vessels inside. A root canal cleans and shapes the inside making it smooth and sterilized with no nerves or bacteria remaining.
Process
There will be 1 or 2 appointments depending what we find during treatment. Sometimes we will place medicine inside the roots and wait 2 weeks to complete the root canal.
1. Anesthesia! The most important part. We will place a rubber dam, which will isolate the tooth and allow us to sterilize the inside of the roots and not allow any of your saliva to enter the area. We will also give you a mouth prop to bite on so you do not have to strain to stay open, it is much more comfortable! We will use a variety of small files precisely shaped to fit into the canals of your roots and sterilize as we work. If we do not need to place medicine, we will seal the inside of the roots with a material called gutta percha, it is a natural material that is antibacterial. Next you will have a core filling placed. A crown will be placed at a subsequent appointment to prevent fracture.
2. If it is determined that medicine is needed in the roots, we will place this and place a temporary filling. You will return in approximately 2 weeks for the completion of the root canal as described above.
Why do I need a crown?
When a tooth needs a root canal it is already weak from the infection or fracture that is present. The tooth will eventually break even without a root canal. A crown strengthens a tooth and prevents fracture and is always needed after a root canal is completed. This may be done at a separate visit within 2 weeks. If a tooth fractures after a root canal it must be extracted, therefore the crown is very important to prevent this!
Why do I need a root canal?
There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include, but are not limited to, a very deep cavity (bacterial infection) that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve.