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Root Canal (Endodontics)
Root canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerves from the roots of a tooth to save the tooth and avoid extraction. There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal, including:
- a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve
- a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or
- a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve
If the tooth becomes infected, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch a problem like this early before it gets worse.
Signs / Symptoms
- Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids
- Moderate to severe pain when biting on the tooth
- Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth
- A toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night
- A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood
- Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another
Procedure
The first step in a rool canal is to anesthetize the effected area. Then, we’ll drill an access point through the top, or biting surface of the tooth. Next, each nerve canal will be cleaned and shaped in preparation for filling material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed. The tooth is now ready for a restoration which could require a crown. The entire procedure can usually be completed in just two visits.
To watch a short video about how a dental root canal
procedure is done, click the play button.
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