Root Canals

Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high success rate. By removing the diseased tissue within your tooth, your Lenoir dentist can halt the spread of infection and restore the healthy portion of your tooth.

In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth. Before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction. Therefore, even though you might be dreading an upcoming root canal, you should be very happy that we have this option!

Why Do I Need a Root Canal? 

A root canal is a tiny passageway that branches off from the top of the tooth to the tip of the tooth root. All teeth have between one and four root canals. Most root canal treatments become necessary when a tooth infection spreads to the tooth’s pulp, the innermost layer of the tooth, causing pain and sensitivity. If the infection is not addressed, the tooth will become develop an abscess, one of the most painful dental issues that can affect a patient. Therefore, it is essential to treat an infected tooth as early as possible.

What Happens During the Root Canal Procedure?

During your root canal procedure, your Lenoir dentist will drill a small hole through the top of the tooth and into its inner chamber. He or she will remove diseased tissue, clean and disinfect the chamber, and reshape the tooth canal. Finally, he or she will fill the tooth chamber and canals with an elastic material and a medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is will be temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown. If no crown is necessary, the hole will be permanently sealed on-site.

Most patients who have root canal experience little to no pain, and are able to enjoy a perfectly restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.

Think you might need a root canal? Get it taken care of as soon as possible! Click here to request an appointment at our Lenoir dentist office.