Your Neighborhood Dentist on Hartzel Road - Convenient, Close, Caring.
Dr Bak Dental
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure performed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, fractures, or repeated dental procedures on the tooth. The procedure is typically performed by an endodontist, a dentist specializing in root canal treatments. During the procedure, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort. Then, a small access hole is made in the tooth to reach the infected pulp. The dentist uses specialized tools to carefully remove the diseased pulp, clean the root canals, and shape them for filling. Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and the tooth is sealed with a dental filling or crown to restore its strength and function. Root canal therapy not only relieves pain and eliminates infection but also saves the natural tooth from extraction, preserving the overall integrity of the smile. With modern techniques and advancements in anesthesia, root canal therapy is now a relatively comfortable procedure with a high success rate. After the treatment, patients may experience mild soreness, which can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. Good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and timely restoration of the tooth with a crown or filling are crucial for the long-term success of root canal therapy.