Root Canals

Long ago if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, there was no hope that your tooth could be saved. But now with root canals, the dentists at Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental can save that tooth and your smile.

Endodontic Treatment

Another term for a root canal is endodontic treatment. This treatment removes the infection from the inside of the tooth. Under the tooth’s enamel is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.

The pulp extends from the tooth crown to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues around the roots. This treatment is needed when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or when the pulp dies. If it is left untreated, it can cause pain or an abscess.

Why get a root canal?

There are many advantages to this procedure:

• Prevents you from having to extract your precious teeth
• Quick—only takes one to two visits
• Little or no pain involved in the procedure

Symptoms

It may be necessary to get a root canal if your tooth:

• Hurts when you bite down
• Sensitive to heat or cold
• Swells
• Shows discoloring
• Is broken

Root Canal Candidates

If you have an infected tooth, or severe damage to the pulp, a root canal is recommended. The most common cause of root canals is untreated cavities.

Root Canal Treatment

During the first step of this treatment, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth, and you may get a mild sedation such as nitrous oxide.

Then an opening is made through the top or back of the tooth to the pulp chamber. Some of the diseased pulp is removed. The root canals are measured through an X-ray or an electric device, so the dentist knows how long the canals are to ensure they are properly cleaned, and how much filling is needed.

The canals are cleaned with antiseptic, which prevents infection. Then they are filled, and a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth. Usually a permanent crown is made to strengthen the tooth and protect it.

After the Root Canal

Your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours until the anesthetic wears off, but you should be able to continue on with your normal activities. If you had surgery, the sedation effects may last a little longer, so you should rest for a few hours.

Your tooth doesn’t need any special treatment, but make sure you do use good oral hygiene—brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily and visit the dentist for regular check-ups.

Contact Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental today to learn more about our root canal procedures and if they are right for you.