ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Severely infected or damaged teeth often require root canal therapy. This procedure allows dentists to save many teeth that would otherwise need to be pulled.

The inside of the tooth is made up of pulp tissue, which contains nerves, blood vessels and other cells. When a tooth is decayed or cracked, the pulp can become exposed to bacteria, causing inflammation and pressure on the nerves. That infection can cause tremendous pain, swelling and abscesses in the jaw.

Rather than remove the tooth, a dentist can enter the root canal of the tooth through the biting surface, remove the damaged pulp tissue, carefully clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, seal the root canal to protect it, and cover the tooth with a crown to strengthen it. This procedure (1) stops the toothache, (2) prevents bacteria and pain from spreading further into the jaw, and (3) preserves the original tooth, instead of replacing it with a denture or bridge.

After the root canal therapy, we will provide you with post-operative instructions, extra gauze and prescriptions, if needed. Someone from our office will call to check on you that evening to make sure everything is okay and to answer any questions that you might have. Please remember that we are available after your surgery in case you have any questions or concerns.