Root Canals
What is a root canal?
A root canal is the process of removing an infected nerve and pulp from your tooth and filling the nerve canal to eliminate infection. The pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and live soft tissue. Typically, a nerve is infected either from decay from reaching the nerve or from a tooth that cracks or breaks into the nerve space allowing bacteria from the mouth to infect the pulp of the tooth. There is currently no other way to reverse an infected tooth other than perform a root canal or extract the tooth.
How is a root canal completed?
- A small hole is made into the tooth to access the infected pulp tissue.
- A series of small files are used to remove the infected pulp tissue.
- Once the canal space is shaped and disinfected, it is sealed with gutta percha (a rubber like filling material).
- Most teeth will require a crown to protect the tooth as root canal treated teeth are weaker and more susceptible to catastrophic fracturing of the tooth
How effective is root canal therapy?
Root canals are about 95% effective in restoring teeth back to a normal state. Sometimes after treatment, mild discomfort will occasionally linger for some time while the infected area underneath the tooth heals. Rarely, various complications may arise that can cause the necessity to remove the tooth such as a fracture in the tooth root.