Root Canals

Discover how root canals relieve pain, remove infection, and save damaged teeth with long-lasting results.

About Root Canals

Endodontic treatment or the root canal procedure is designed to treat a tooth that has become infected or damaged inside the pulp (the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels).

A root canal is a highly effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth, avoiding extraction. After treatment, with proper care, the tooth can function normally for many years. While the procedure has a reputation for being painful, advances in dental techniques and anesthesia have made it much more comfortable for patients.

Root Canal Procedure

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the typical root canal treatment:

1. Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

Examination: Dr. Weininger will assess the problem tooth. An X-ray and/or 3D scan (CBCT) is usually taken to confirm the extent of the infection or damage to the tooth and its roots. At this time he will determine if this is a root canal we will do in our office, or if it will be best to refer you to an endodontist who is a root canal specialist.

Symptoms: Common symptoms that might indicate the need for a root canal include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen gums and/or jaw, or discoloration of the tooth.

2. Anesthesia

Local Anesthesia: The area around the infected tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure. You will be awake during the treatment, though you should feel little to no discomfort.

3. Accessing the Pulp

Drilling a Hole: Dr. Weininger creates a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber inside. This is where the infection or damage is located.

Removal of Infected Tissue: Once the pulp is exposed, the infected or damaged pulp tissue is carefully removed. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and other cells inside the tooth. This removal is done with small, specialized instruments.

4. Cleaning and Shaping the Canals

Cleaning the Root Canals: Dr. Weininger uses tiny instruments to clean out the root canals, removing any remaining pulp and debris. The canals are also disinfected to eliminate bacteria and infection.

Shaping the Canals: After cleaning, the canals are shaped to prepare them for filling. This process ensures that the root canals are properly sized and free of any leftover bacteria.

5. Filling the Canals

Drying the Canals: Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, the dentist will dry them to prepare for sealing.

Sealing the Canals: The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the canals, preventing any further bacterial growth or reinfection.

6. Restoring the Tooth

Permanent Restoration: After the root canal, the tooth often requires a crown to restore its function and prevent further damage.

If the tooth is a front tooth (anterior), a tooth-colored filling may be enough.

If the tooth is a back tooth (molar or premolar), a crown is usually recommended because it provides additional strength and protection for chewing forces.

7. Aftercare

Pain Management: After the procedure, it is common to experience mild discomfort or soreness for a few days, especially if there was infection present before the root canal. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help manage this discomfort.

Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any further issues.

8. Potential Complications

In rare cases, the infection may not be fully eradicated, or the tooth may not heal properly. If the infection persists, a root canal retreatment might be necessary. In some cases, the tooth may not be salvageable, and extraction and implant or bridge may be considered.

Root Canals

About Root Canals

Root Canal Procedure

1. Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

2. Anesthesia

3. Accessing the Pulp

4. Cleaning and Shaping the Canals

5. Filling the Canals

6. Restoring the Tooth

7. Aftercare

8. Potential Complications

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