Understanding Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a prevalent dental procedure, with more than 14 million cases performed annually. This effective treatment is key in preserving your natural teeth, thus avoiding the need for dental implants or bridges.

At the heart of your tooth lies the pulp, which is essentially a network of blood vessels contributing to the development of the surrounding tooth structure. The pulp can become infected due to various reasons such as tooth injury, severe decay, fractures, or as a result of numerous dental treatments. Indications of this infection might include apparent damage or swelling in the tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or discomfort in the tooth and surrounding gum area.

Should you display any of these signs, it’s likely that your dentist will suggest a non-surgical procedure to remove the infected pulp. This involves extracting the damaged pulp, meticulously cleaning the root canal system, and sealing it. Typically, this process requires local anesthesia and might necessitate one or more visits, depending on the specific requirements of your treatment. Approximately 90% of these treatments are successful. However, if your tooth is not suitable for endodontic therapy or if the likelihood of success is low, you will be informed either during your initial consultation or if any complications arise during or after the procedure. To ensure a comfortable experience, local anesthesia is used. Additionally, nitrous oxide sedation may be provided if needed. Post-treatment, you should be able to drive yourself home and comfortably resume your regular activities.