The root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed; more than 14 million performed a year with over a 95% success rate. This simple procedure can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants and bridges down the road.
A root canal is a specialized treatment used to save teeth that are damaged or diseased due to a deep cavity or traumatic injury to the dental pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue at the center of the tooth which contains the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the infected pulp is left untreated, an abscess may form at the end of the root, which can cause severe pain and swelling. The infection can also spread and damage surrounding bone and lead to possible tooth loss.
The procedure involves the removal of the damaged pulp from the root canal system. Once the pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed.
After a root canal procedure is completed, a crown will usually be required to protect the tooth from fracturing. You will receive a temporary crown after your root canal. It is extremely important that you have your permanant crown made and placed within no more than 30 days after your root canal, or you may increase the risk of failure and potentially loose the tooth.
Treatment usually requires one visit and takes from 1 to 2 hours to complete under local anesthesia. Ask us about Sedation Dentistry. We do offer Oral Conscious and Nitrous Oxide sedation. If desired, a sedation consultation with the dentist is required prior to treatment.