Root Canals

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a type of oral surgery used to treat damaged or infected tooth pulp. The pulp is the malleable center of a tooth that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The pulp helps your tooth experience sensations like hot and cold, but it isn’t necessary for a tooth to survive. Removing the pulp preserves your tooth enamel and prevents the need for an extraction.

Why would I need a root canal?

Pleasant Family Dentistry uses root canal therapy to safely treat damaged or infected tooth pulp. Some of the most common causes of pulp damage include:

• Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity
• Chips or cracks
• Getting hit in the mouth
• Undergoing multiple dental procedures on the same tooth

The most common symptoms of pulp damage include warmth, tooth pain, swelling, and sensitivity. If you develop any of these symptoms and they persist for more than a day or two, contact Pleasant Family Dentistry right away.

What does a root canal involve?

Root canal treatment typically takes one appointment.

Prior to treatment, Pleasant Family Dentistry conducts an oral exam and asks about your symptoms. Your provider then takes oral X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and develop a care plan.

After taking X-rays, your provider administers a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. If you experience dental anxiety or have very sensitive teeth, they might also recommend sedation dentistry.

Your provider makes an access hole in the top of your affected tooth and carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp. Your provider rinses out your tooth with an antiseptic solution and fills it with a material called gutta-percha.

Once the gutta-percha dries, your provider takes impressions of your tooth. They upload your impressions to the on-site CEREC® milling machine and create a custom crown. After the machine finishes milling your new crown, your provider bonds it to the top of your tooth. They then send you home with a list of care instructions.

What is recovery like after a root canal?

Following a root canal, it’s normal to experience some mild swelling, soreness, and increased tooth sensitivity. Take over-the-counter pain medication to ease any discomfort. Avoid biting down on or chewing with the damaged tooth until you get a permanent crown. Continue to brush and floss like normal, but do so gently.

To see if you can benefit from a root canal, request a consultation at Pleasant Family Dentistry. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the office today.