Root Canals

A root canal is a dental procedure that can save a severely damaged tooth. Aside from extraction, root canals are the only treatment option if your tooth’s pulp is infected.

Infection can occur as a result of:

• Significant decay
• Multiple dental procedures
• Chips
• Fractures
• Traumatic injury

If left untreated, pulp infections can cause painful and dangerous abscesses.

A root canal involves removing infected pulp, including the blood vessels and nerve within your tooth, which also ends painful sensations. Infected pulp works to destroy your tooth’s nerve and blood vessels, and the process won’t cease or reverse itself.

So while a root canal does effectively destroy your tooth’s nerve, the infection was already heading in that direction. As an adult, you no longer need your pulp to nourish your tooth. A root canal is the only treatment option that can stop the progression of the infection and save the tooth from extraction.

Dr. Emdin completes a thorough diagnostic exam and gathers imaging before determining if a root canal is the best treatment option. If so, she begins by isolating the affected tooth with a special dental dam.

The next step involves creating a small opening in the crown of your tooth. Dr. Emdin uses that opening to access the pulp chamber and root canals, carefully removing all traces of pulp before flushing and cleaning the empty cavity.

She then fills the empty chamber with a special material called gutta-percha, bonding it to your interior tooth walls. A filling closes the small opening.

Next, Dr. Emdin removes a small amount of your tooth’s surface to make room for your new crown. Impressions and imaging help the dental lab create a crown that blends with your surrounding teeth.

You receive a temporary crown to wear until the permanent version arrives. Then, Dr. Emdin checks the fit before cementing your new crown into place, which completes your root canal procedure.

If you need a root canal, don’t delay seeking treatment. Book your visit with Dr. Emdin today to get started toward a tooth restoration that will really make you smile.