Root Canals

Your teeth contain tiny passages that extend from the crown to the tip of the root known as root canals. Each tooth has anywhere from one to four of these canals.Infections can spread to the pulp & the portion of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, & other tissue. If untreated, these infections can eventually affect the root of the tooth & cause pockets of pus to develop, which can lead to an abscess. The inner portion of the tooth can also become damaged due to traumatic injury. Pain & sensitivity are often the first signs of a problem with the inner tooth.

Save Your Teeth

A root canal removes the diseased tissue from the inside of the tooth to stop the infection from spreading & preserve the remaining healthy portions of the tooth. A root canal provides a way of saving a problem tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted.

What to Expect During a Root Canal:

A root canal normally requires one to three visits to complete. The dentist starts by drilling a small hole in the top of the tooth to reach the inner chamber. All of the diseased tissue is removed, & the chamber is thoroughly cleaned & disinfected. The chamber & root canals are filled with material & medication to prevent infection. A temporary filling is placed over the hole in the top of the tooth until a permanent crown can be made. Most of our patients say that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than a standard filling. In most cases, the restored tooth can last as long as a natural tooth.