A root canal is a procedure that removes inflamed or infected pulp from within your tooth. There are a variety of causes of an infection or inflammation in the tooth, such as:

• Deep decay
• A crack in the tooth
• Trauma to the tooth

In some cases, if there is not ample tooth to support a crown, a root canal may be used as an elective procedure in order to cement a post into the tooth’s canal to support a build-up.

Root Canal Procedure

When the pulp of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed, it needs to be removed. In order to do that, we perform several steps:

1. Use local anesthetics to numb the area
2. Create a small opening to obtain access to the pulp chamber and root canals
3. Remove the dead and dying pulp tissue from the narrow passage ways
4. Clean and disinfect the pulp chamber and canals, and prepare to seal the tooth
5. Seal the tooth with an inert, biocompatible material

To further protect the tooth, it is usually necessary to crown the tooth if it is a back tooth or if most of the tooth structure has been lost from a fracture or removed due to decay.

Root Canal Infection Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment at our office. Dr. Strandburg will examine your tooth and determine whether or not you need a root canal.

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Severe pain when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth
• A dull ache or throbbing
• Swelling or sensitivity in the area
• Tooth discoloration
• A white bump on the gums

Ways to Prevent Root Canal Infection

Practicing good dental hygiene and avoiding activities that could damage your teeth are two ways to prevent root canal infections. You should also schedule regular dental appointments, as Dr. Strandburg can detect the early signs of infection, which is why x-rays are so critical to the health of your mouth. An x-ray can catch an infection before it gets too serious. Sometimes, however, root canals cannot be avoided, such as in the case of trauma.

 

Our Commitment to Patient Care

We treat each and every patient like part of our family. Our goal is to put your care and comfort first, and to treat you with integrity and respect. Dr. Strandburg is committed to doing what is best for the patient, and he will never pressure you into receiving an unnecessary treatment.