Root Canal (Endodontics) Root Canal, or endodontics, is the
process of removing the nerves from the roots of a tooth. A root canal is often necessary to save
an infected tooth. If an infected
tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a
dark spot below the apex of the root.
This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this
problem before it deteriorates too far. Process The first step of the procedure is
to anesthetize (numb) the effected area. The next step is to open an access point
through the top, or biting surface of the tooth. The doctor will then determine a working
length of each canal. Each canal is
then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is
filled with an inert material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed. The tooth is now ready for a reinforcing restoration and most often a crown.
This entire procedure is often completed in a few visits. Why do I need a root
canal? There are a number of reasons why
one of your teeth may need a root canal.
These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends
into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the
tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth. |
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Newport Gentle Dentistry PC |
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