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Root Canals

Root Canals

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal involves taking out the pulp from the inside of a compromised or damaged tooth. The pulp is responsible for keeping the tooth healthy and vital with its rich supply of blood vessels and nerves. Unfortunately, when this pulp becomes compromised by tooth decay or exposed through a crack in the tooth, it will need to be removed. Teeth that require a root canal may be severely painful, sensitive and tender when pressure is applied to the area.

Why might a Root Canal be needed?

Most patients will need root canals because a tooth has become severely decayed. Once the decay has been allowed to reach inside of the tooth, the pulp will need to be removed. If a tooth has broken or cracked, the pulp inside might be left exposed. This can cause pain and sensitivity until the actual pulp is removed via a root canal.

Root Canal - Rosenthal Family Dentistry
Root Canal - Rosenthal Family Dentistry

Who is a candidate for Root Canals?

Some signs to look for when it comes to needing a root canal include severe pain and sensitivity to both hot and cold liquids. You might not be able to drink your favorite cup of coffee in the morning because of the sharp, stabbing pain that you feel. We will examine the tooth and take x-rays of the area. This will help us to determine if the pulp has been compromised and needs to be removed.

What happens during the Root Canal procedure?

The first step is to numb the area where the root canal is needed. We then work to isolate the tooth with a dental dam. This rubber dental dam prevents any saliva and bacteria from entering the tooth while it is open and being worked on. The next step is to remove the decay from the tooth and to take out the pulp. The roots canals are thoroughly cleaned and then filled with a medicated material. The tooth is then filled and the rubber dam removed. The procedure takes about an hour in our office and eliminates any pain or sensitivity you’ve been experiencing.

If you would like to learn more about root canals and how they’re performed, call us today to schedule an appointment to come in.