Root Canals Specialist

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal cleans a tooth of infected root pulp and replaces it with a sterile material. It saves the structure of the tooth so it can function naturally. A tooth treated with a root canal usually receives a crown to restore its appearance.

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

When a cavity decays the tooth to the point that it reaches the pulp, you need a root canal to resolve the pain and save the tooth. In some cases, damage to the nerve root occurs from trauma or extensive restoration, making a root canal necessary.

Once the nerve is infected, the decay can extend into the surrounding bone to create an abscess. This deep of an infection cannot resolve on its own. If gone untreated, an infected tooth root can compromise your entire immune system. It also causes extreme pain and other symptoms, including:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold sensations or sweets
• Swelling
• Pain when biting
• Bad taste in the mouth

Not all infected roots present with symptoms. Sometimes, dentists only observe it at a routine checkup.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Dr. DiRenzo or Dr. Bett first numb your tooth and cheek at the location of the affected tooth. They then use small tools, including a drill, to get inside the tooth and file away the damaged and diseased pulp. They flush the root canal and put in an antimicrobial solution to kill any remaining bacteria.

Dr. DiRenzo or Dr. Bett then fill the canal with a material called gutta percha and close the opening in the tooth with a temporary filling. In just a few weeks, you come in to be fit for a permanent crown to cover the site of the root canal and restore any lost tooth parts.

How Do I Care For a Tooth After a Root Canal?

Following good oral hygiene habits keeps the treated tooth, and the rest of your mouth, healthy. Brush twice daily and floss. Regular office visits help identify cavities early, so they don’t progress to the decay that requires more extensive treatment.