Root Canals

Root canal therapy is designed to correct disorders of the dental pulp - the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

The most common causes of pulpal nerve damage are:

• physical irritation - generally brought on by aggressive tooth decay (cavity) reaching down to the nerve or through deep fillings, which allows harmful bacteria to reach the nerve resulting in infection and decay
• trauma - a blow to a tooth or the jaw can cause damage to sensitive nerve tissue within the tooth.

 

The following are the most common symptoms of pulpal nerve damage. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• pain in the tooth when biting down
• tooth pain while chewing
• oversensitivity of the teeth with hot or cold drinks
• facial swelling

 

Treatment begins withdrilling a small opening on top of the tooth to allow access to theroot canal. Once the affected pulpal tissue isaccessed, the diseased area is removed. The area surrounding and containing the nerve is carefully cleaned, enlarged, and shaped to provide a clean, bondable surface for a permanent filler to prohibit any further infection and discomfort. After filling, a crown is recommended to complete the rescue and restoration of the natural tooth.