Root Canal Therapy
Even whispering the phrase “root canal” can be enough to send a shiver of fear down the spine of the most hardened person. Why? Because the myth of how painful root canals can be has been pretty well spread and in some cases exaggerated. The truth is much less terrifying.
A root canal is simply a type of treatment needed when the pulp of a tooth has been damaged, causing infection or inflammation. In most cases this is caused by either disease or by a large cavity. In some cases, an injury can be the underlying cause – especially in the cases of impact and breakage. Whatever the cause, a root canal is used to remove the infected pulp from inside of the tooth, halting the infection and eliminating pain and discomfort it causes.
The procedure begins by locating and identifying the tooth or teeth that will be receiving root canals. Next, the area is cleaned, dried and thoroughly numbed. Once the tooth or teeth are thoroughly numbed, we will remove the decay and access into the pulp chamber. Once we have reached the pulp chamber, we use a series of files to clean the infection and any unhealthy tissue out. We may irrigate from time to time to help us clean away debris and clear the path to the tissue that needs treatment.
Once all of the tissue in question is removed, the canals of each root are filled with a permanent material that helps to keep them free from infection or any potential future contamination. This material also helps to provide support by filling the newly hollow space. A small post may also be placed into the root in some cases where we feel that the tooth needs extra restorative material retention . After we fill the roots themselves, we fill the tooth and you’re finished with the root canal treatment.
Root canals are actually quite straightforward and quick procedures. Cadena Family Dentistry takes extra care to be sure that your root canal experience is an easy one.