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root canal process

Root Canal Therapy

When a tooth is damaged due to decay or trauma, the nerve of the tooth can sometimes become inflamed and infected. If this occurs, a root canal procedure may be recommended to save the tooth. Root canal therapy involves making a small opening in the tooth and completely removing the nerve and infected tissue. The root canals are cleaned and disinfected and then sealed with special materials to help support the canal walls and prevent re-infection.

Because removing the tooth nerve also eliminates blood flow to the tooth, a tooth that has had root canal therapy loses vitality and requires extra protection from a crown.

Save Your Teeth…

A root canal is usually the recommended procedure to save a tooth that has become infected, rather than extraction. By having root canal treatment, the tooth can remain in position and maintain its role in supporting jaw bone structures, bite balance and proper chewing.

  • While it may seem that extracting and infected tooth will solve the problem, it actually creates bigger issues that must be addressed down the road, such as shifting and movement of surrounding teeth which can lead to the loss of additional teeth if the missing tooth is not replaced.
  • Tooth replacement options such as a bridge, or implant and crown are more costly procedures than a single root canal and dental crown.

Dr. Rodriguez may recommend that a root canal specialist, or Endodontist, perform a root canal procedure. We then work closely with one of our outstanding local Endodontists to treat the tooth and coordinate placement of a dental crown following completion of the root canal.

Prevention is the key - don't wait until you have a problem to schedule your dental examination. Contact Us to schedule a thorough checkup today!