Root Canal Therapy

The prognosis for the majority of teeth treated is favorable. While there is no certainty concerning healing, successful results occur in over 90% of cases. On occasion, the chances of success may fall below this expectancy, or your tooth may not be amenable to endodontic treatment. If your tooth falls within one of these latter categories, you will be informed at the time of examination, or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

Occasionally a tooth cannot be saved. Endodontic therapy can be performed only if the root canals are accessible and can be adequately cleaned and sealed. Bone support must also be sufficient. Sometimes extraction is the only alternative.

With the use of modern techniques, root canal therapy typically involves no discomfort. Endodontic therapy ultimately provides relief.

Your comfort throughout all phases of treatment is a major consideration. If a problem arises, either day or night, please contact this office.

Cleaning the root canal system may cause some inflammation around the roots of the tooth, but usually over-the-counter analgesics alleviate the associated discomfort. A prescription for antibiotics may be given to you.

Why You Need a Root Canal

Your teeth are mainly composed of a hard substance called dentin, which has a coating of enamel on the outside. At the core of each tooth is the pulp, soft tissue consisting of nerves and blood vessels. The pulp may be irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay, very deep restorations, fractures, trauma, periodontal disease, or the pulp may have become necrotic (dead).

In order to preserve a tooth in which any of these has occurred, it is necessary to remove the diseased or dead pulp tissue and to fill and seal the root canal system. This procedure is known as endodontic therapy. The only other treatment option is extraction. Since endodontic therapy is concerned with removing only the pulp from the root canal, the root will continue to function normally, because the nourishing and supporting tissues remain intact.

Follow Up Care

When your root canal therapy has been completed, it is important for you to contact your restorative dentist for a follow-up restoration. This should be done within several weeks of your final visit with this office. Your dentist can best decide what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.

Infection Control

Our practice exceeds the highest standards of infection control advocated by the American Dental Association, The CDC, and OSHA. We utilize the latest barrier techniques and autoclave sterilization to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination. Our priority is to provide state-of-the-art endodontic care while maintaining a strict operating protocol.