Non Surgical Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is the pulp. The pulp is a collection of blood vessels and nerves that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay or cracks. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums or visible inspection.

How is a root canal performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned, sterilized and sealed. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 95% of cases. Success depends on the extent of a fracture or decay. You will be informed at the time of consultation. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, nitrous oxide analgesia may be used if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. Typically a crown is needed to protect the root canal treated tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.