A root canal, or endodontic therapy, is one of the last courses of action available to repair a tooth where severe tooth decay has caused damage or infection to the dentin or root of your tooth. Fortunately, modern dental technology has allowed this to be a completely painless procedure.
Before the procedure, your dentist might want to take a series of X-rays to determine the full extent of decay and infection in the root of the tooth.
When you go through a root canal procedure, the dentist removes much of the existing enamel to gain access to the infected parts of the dentin and root. The dentist then replaces the infected tissues with a material called gutta-percha. This gives the tooth back most of its original integrity and allows the dentist to create an abutment that will anchor a crown.
Once the abutment is formed, the dentist will make an impression of the area. The dentist then fits the abutment with a temporary crown. The impression is then sent off to a dental laboratory where a permanent crown is made.
Once the crown is completed, you’ll visit the dentist for a second appointment where they cement the final permanent crown in place. The tooth then has all the same strength and durability of any other tooth in your mouth.
If you are concerned that you might need a root canal, please feel free to call us at [phone] to schedule an appointment.