One of the most common dental procedures out there, a root canal can save your natural teeth from extraction and prevent the need for further intervention down the road. River Harmony Dental is pleased to offer root canal therapy!
Your Cochrane Choice for Root Canal Therapy!
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment performed to save a tooth when the soft inner tissue of the tooth (called the pulp) becomes infected or exposed. This happens when the outer shell of the tooth has failed. The most common reason that a tooth becomes compromised is because of a crack or fracture, a deep cavity, or an injury to the tooth. If an injured tooth is left untreated, it can lead to severe pain, a dental abscess or possible tooth loss.
Signs of a Possible Infection or Compromised Tooth
- Visible swelling or injury of the gum
- Pressure to a tooth causes pain
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed
- Tenderness in the gums
- Tooth pain that interrupts sleep
- Spontaneous throbbing tooth pain
The Root Canal Procedure
Root canal therapy begins with first administering a local anesthetic to the involved tooth and the surrounding area. This ensures you are comfortable and pain free throughout the procedure. A rubber dam will then be placed around the tooth to be treated, in order to keep it free of bacteria from your saliva. Next, a hole will be created in the infected tooth so that the damaged pulp can be removed, and then the root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Finally, the canal will be filled with a special filling material in order to strengthen and protect it. A crown is highly recommended to prevent a future fracture or wear of the treated tooth. Following a root canal, the tooth continues to function just like any other tooth.
