Root Canal Therapy

ABOUT ROOT CANAL THERAPY

When is root canal therapy necessary? A root canal therapy treatment is needed when the soft tissue inside the root of a tooth, known as the pulp, experiences inflammation or infection. Inflammation or infection can occur as a result of several things, including severe decay, repeated dental procedures or the presence of a chip or crack. A trauma or injury to a tooth may result in pulpal damage that is not visible to the naked eye.

However, if the tooth remains untreated, pain or sensitivity may occur and an abscess could develop. Symptoms you may experience prior to needing root canal therapy include persistent sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discoloration, swelling, or sensitivity to touch and chewing.

However, sometimes a tooth may develop a chronic abscess with no associated pain. These teeth will be diagnosed on your regular check-up X-ray films. This is why it is important to have regular check-ups and radiography. Although you may not experience any symptoms, you may still be in need of endodontic treatment.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

A diagnosis will be determined by use of clinical testing and images from a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography). Then with an endodontic microscope, your endodontist will make a small access hole in the top of the tooth and extract the inflamed or infected pulp. Then they will thoroughly cleanse and carefully shape the canals. Afterwards the sterilized canal channel is filled and sealed with a permanent filling called Gutta Percha. The small access cavity is then sealed with a temporary filling material. Within two weeks, you will need to see your general dentist for a permanent restoration (filling or crown) of the tooth. This will protect the tooth from further fracture or decay and restore it to its proper function.

Common Myths about Root Canal Therapy:

Root Canals Hurt!

In the past without the use of proper anesthetics, this may have been the case, but not anymore! With our modern technology and anesthetics you shouldn’t feel any pain!

Root Canals cause disease!

This is just not true! This is a false claim that has been proven incorrect, claimed by poorly designed research with no scientific evidence!