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About

Root Canals

Many patients associate root canals with pain and discomfort...

Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with badly infected roots. The pulp is the live portion of the tooth that extends into the root and contains nerve endings and tissues. When it becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling and even total tooth loss unless treated. 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. But Local anesthetics and advancements in modern dentistry have made root canals highly tolerable procedures that are often no less comfortable than getting a standard filling. Upon completion, a restored tooth that has undergone a root canal will blend in with surrounding teeth – virtually undetectable to the average eye. 

More than 9 out of 10 root canal procedures are successful, and most treatments last many years or even a lifetime. Overall, a root canal can be a relatively straightforward procedure that can help save a damaged or infected tooth and restore oral health.

Factors that can increase a patient's risk of needing a root canal include:

  • Spread of Tooth Decay
  • Trauma of the Tooth
  • Chipped Teeth
  • Gum Disease
  • Poor Oral Hygiene

To access the root canal:
  • Dentist will need to create an opening in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber, which contains the nerve and blood vessels.
  • Numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure
  •  Once the area is numb, the dentist will make a small opening in the top of the tooth and use small instruments to remove the infected or damaged pulp.
  • After removing all the affected tissue, the dentist will clean and shape the hollowed-out space and fill it with a special material to prevent further infection. (In many cases, the tooth is then sealed with a filling or crown to restore its function and prevent further damage.)

New Patient Checklist

As a new dental patient, there are a few things you should bring to your appointment to ensure that your visit goes smoothly.

1. Contact our office:

Call us to schedule an appointment. Our team will be able to provide you with all the necessary information you need to know before your visit.

2. Fill out paperwork:

You’ll have to fill out some paperwork, either online or at the clinic’s office. This will include personal and medical history, insurance information, and contact information.

3. Meet your dentist:

On the day of the appointment, meet the dentist and discuss your dental history. They may perform an oral examination and take x-rays if needed.

4. Develop a dental plan:

Based on your oral examination and dental history, the dentist will develop a dental plan for you, which may include regular cleanings and checkups, restorative procedures, and other treatments.

5. Schedule follow-up appointments:

Schedule regular checkups with your dentist, as recommended by their dental plan, to maintain good oral health.

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