Root Canals
Fast facts about root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is used to remove nerves that are inflamed or painful and relieve "toothaches" or swelling.
It is thought to be very painful but is a pain-relieving treatment.
Cost is a concern with root canal therapy, but the cost is usually less than extracting the tooth and replacing the tooth with a bridge or implant.
Step-by-Step Endodontic Procedure
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one involves the following steps:
Dr. Mike takes a look at the x-ray and see if the treatment could be done at our office or if it would need the root canal specialist. If Dr. Mike is able to do the procedure he will numb the tooth and place a rubber napkin called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of bacteria during the procedure.
Dr. Mike then makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. He removes the sick nerve and bacteria and disinfects with cleaning liquids during the procedure.
Next a fake nerve is placed, made out of a rubber material to keep bacteria from growing back into the tooth.
On all back teeth with root canals and most front teeth Dr. Mike recommends getting a crown on the tooth to keep it from fracturing. A tooth that needs a root canal treatment is weakened and does not hold up as well to bite forces without a crown protecting it.