ROOT CANALS

SAVING TEETH – FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Sometimes a tooth becomes infected. This often happens when a tooth becomes damaged from a traumatic injury, when a deep cavity has gone untreated, or when a cracked or broken tooth has not been fixed. When this infection reaches the pulp, or nerve of the tooth, it causes pain and swelling.

A root canal is often the best approach to preserving the infected tooth.  Also known as endodontic treatment, this process involves:

  • The “opening up” of the infected tooth
  • A gentle removal of the infected pulp
  • Thorough cleaning of the tooth’s interior
  • Filling the tooth with a medicated plugging material
  • A final cleaning and polishing of the tooth

Depending on the extent of the procedure, pain medication may be prescribed to be used in the days following the treatment.  Following the healing process, a dental crown will be placed as the final step in restoring the affected tooth.

IN SITUATIONS WHEN A TOOTH IS BADLY DAMAGED, OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS ALWAYS TO SAVE THE TOOTH WITH A ROOT CANAL. PUTTING IT OFF WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE LOSS OF THE TOOTH.