Root Canals

When tooth decay or periodontal disease has become so extensive that the nerve is involved, a root canal may be necessary. This procedure helps alleviate pain and help prevent future infection or discomfort.

Purpose of a Root Canal:

A root canal may sound scary, but it is painless and often alleviates any pain you may be experiencing from an infected tooth. Root canals are usually broken up into two separate appointments. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the tooth nerve and any infection, to clean out the root canal, and to fill the root canal with a biocompatible filling material. If you are having tooth pain (to cold, hot, biting, sweets), let us know and we will evaluate the status of the nerve and whether it requires a root canal.

Why would I need a root canal?

There are many reasons why someone would need a root canal, some worse then others!

Large cavity that affects the nerve

Infection inside of the nerve, can cause infection in the bone surrounding the tooth

Trauma to the tooth which causes the nerve to die

Crack that is so deep that it affects the nerve

Internal or external resorption of the root

If the nerve is dead, why do I need it removed?

A dead tooth nerve is a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria causes an infection that starts inside of the root canal, and can move out to the surrounding bone. This process may be, and oftentimes is, painless. However, if the infection persists, it can create pain in the future and may become a serious infection that spreads to other parts of the head and neck. In order to avoid this, removing the infection via a root canal or extraction is recommended.

Purpose of a Root Canal:

A root canal may sound scary, but it is painless and often alleviates any pain you may be experiencing from an infected tooth. Root canals are usually broken up into two separate appointments. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the tooth nerve and any infection, to clean out the root canal, and to fill the root canal with a biocompatible filling material. If you are having tooth pain (to cold, hot, biting, sweets), let us know and we will evaluate the status of the nerve and whether it requires a root canal.

Why would I need a root canal?

There are many reasons why someone would need a root canal, some worse then others!

Large cavity that affects the nerve

Infection inside of the nerve, can cause infection in the bone surrounding the tooth

Trauma to the tooth which causes the nerve to die

Crack that is so deep that it affects the nerve

Internal or external resorption of the root

If the nerve is dead, why do I need it removed?

A dead tooth nerve is a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria causes an infection that starts inside of the root canal, and can move out to the surrounding bone. This process may be, and oftentimes is, painless. However, if the infection persists, it can create pain in the future and may become a serious infection that spreads to other parts of the head and neck. In order to avoid this, removing the infection via a root canal or extraction is recommended.