Root Canal/Endodonics

We offer our patients the latest in root canal therapy. When the damage goes beyond what can be treated with a filling, we can perform a root canal to preserve the tooth and retain its original integrity. A root canal is a procedure that extracts decayed pulp from the central part of the tooth, reshapes the canal and replaces it with strengthened filler.

Problems that may require a Root Canal

  • Inflamed/infected tooth
  • Swelling or tenderness near the infected tooth
  • Severe sensitivity to hot and/or cold elements
  • Tooth decay
  • Cracked or broken tooth
  • Blow to the tooth
  • Repeat dental procedures on a single tooth

When left untreated, these problems can lead to severe tooth pain and may cause extensive damage to the tooth structure and possible tooth extraction.

Steps of a Root Canal

  • Numbing of the area and gas is available if needed
  • A dental dam is used to isolate the tooth
  • The tooth is opened to allow for removal of infected or dead tooth pulp
  • With special tools, the canal is cleaned and reshaped
  • The tooth is filled with biocompatible filling material
  • A temporary filling is used over the access opening
  • Waiting a month, you will return for the placement of a permanent restoration

Most of the time, a tooth requires a crown after a root canal has been performed. A root canal removes the nerve and the tooth has no blood supply anymore. It needs a crown to avoid the tooth from breaking down.