Root Canal Treatments

Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with badly infected roots. At the center of your tooth is a pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth.

Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. Root canals remove the damaged parts of the tooth and infected root. In some cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to help prevent further infection within the tooth. The organic portion of the tooth that remains may be restored using a cap or crown that provides a natural appearance and normal tooth function.

Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

Infected Tooth
Opening made in tooth
Infected tissue removed;
Canals cleaned
Canals filled with a permanent material (gutta – percha)
Opening sealed with filling. In some cases, a post is inserted for extra support
New crown cemented onto rebuilt tooth