Root Canals

Root Canals are the long passages that run from the base of the tooth root to the middle of the internal crown (the visible part of the tooth above the gum line). These passages are full of soft tissue deep within the dentin of the tooth, also known as pulp, which is a network of blood and nerve cells that provides vital nutrients to the root. Keeping the pulp healthy helps maintain the structure and function of the tooth. Sometimes, however, the pulp becomes damaged or infected and must be removed to prevent further decay. The removal of the compromised pulp is called a pulpectomy, which is an endodontic treatment performed to cure an infection of the root canal, a procedure also known as a root canal.

The nerve of a tooth may become damaged in several different ways. One of the main modes of damage is a cavity in the tooth that grows deeper into the dentin and hits the nerve. Since the cavity is filled with bacteria, the pulp in the root canal becomes inflamed, causing acute pain. Another way the pulp may become damaged is by cracking or breaking a tooth, which can result in infection of the soft tissues and roots of the teeth. In such cases, Root Canal Therapy (RCT) may be necessary to save the tooth. While the term "root canal" often instills some anxiety in the patient, this treatment option is actually a simple and highly effective procedure that can reduce pain immediately while maintaining the integrity and function of the damaged tooth.

Basically, there are two ways to relieve tooth pain: perform Root Canal Therapy, or pull the entire tooth, clean the gum below, and replace the tooth with a denture or bridge. We are in the business of saving teeth and restoring beautiful smiles. Removing teeth should be done as a last resort and only when all other treatment options have been explored! In many cases, Root Canal Therapy is the best option when it comes to saving a tooth.

Root Canal Therapy serves three main purposes:

   1. To stop a toothache.
   2. To prevent pain and bacteria from spreading into the jaw bone.
   3. To maintain the structure and function of original tooth rather than                replace it with a denture or bridge.

It's important to have Root Canal Therapy done as soon as the diagnosis of infection is made. If left unattended, the infectious bacteria will travel down the canal passage all the way to the root and into the jawbone, causing a great deal of pain in the jaw. Even more important, the infection can cause your jawbone to deteriorate and weaken, which could affect the bone structure holding your teeth in place as well as the function of your jaw as far as chewing and talking.

Of course, the best way to avoid root canals altogether is to develop the habit of good oral care on a daily basis to prevent the growth and spread of damaging bacteria. Brushing and flossing are important. Regular trips to the dentist are just as important. Consistent oral exams allow us to check for early signs of decay or cracks that could lead to an infected tooth.

Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment (NSRCT)

Non-surgical root canal treatment is a procedure we use to save a failing tooth. This may require the removal of the patient's existing crown. However, in some instances we can access the root by going through the crown rather than removing and replacing it. During NSRCT, an opening is created so the dentist can have non-surgical access into the root canal space through the biting surface of the tooth. From there, several things may need to happen:

The need to locate and treat previously missed canals.
The need to remove old filling materials from the root canal space.
The need to remove posts and broken appliances.
The need to enhance existing root canal treatment.
The need to negotiate blocked canals with possible bypass of canal ledges.
The need to repair perforations in the root.

Now, this may sound like a foreign language to you, but rest assured we take great care when it comes to reducing discomfort and anxiety during Root Canal Therapy. Once the above goals have been accomplished, the root canal is once again cleaned, shaped, and sealed. A protective restoration is placed and the tooth restored to near-natural look, health, and function.

Surgical Root Canal Treatment (SRCT)

Surgical root canal treatment is a procedure that consists of lifting a small flap of tissue adjacent to the infected tooth to gain better access to the root and treat the infection by surgically removing the diseased tissue from around the root area. Next, we perform what is called an apicoectomy, a procedure in which the diseased portion of the root itself is removed. A small filling is then placed to seal the remaining root. A SRCT can usually be performed in-office under local anesthesia, and has proven time and again to be an effective treatment for root canal disease. However, there are times when NSRCT or SRCT may not be the most beneficial or cost-effective option for the patient and extraction may be the only alternative.
For more information about the Root Canal Therapies we offer, call us today.