Root Canals - Microscopic

What is a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels and nerves that help to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury to the tooth, throbbing pain, chewing pain, sensitivity to temperatures, or swelling of the gum tissue, or pain in the tooth and gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned then sealed with a filling material. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on condition of the tooth and surrounding bone and tissues. Success for this type of treatment occurs in over 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to root canal treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate all discomfort. In addition, nitrous oxide analgesia or oral sedation is available for patients with dental anxiety.

What happens after root canal treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact them as soon as possible to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. Your restorative dentist will decide what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to assist you.