Root Canals Therapy

What is a root canal?
The dental pulp is located in the center of the tooth, underneath the layers of enamel and dentin. This is where the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth are located. If decay reaches this area of the tooth, an abscess could form, causing pain and threatening the health of the tooth and gums. A root canal clears out the dental pulp and cleans the canal of the tooth to remove all traces of decay. The tooth is then filled in again with a biocompatible material to restore its structure.
Procedure
Before performing a root canal, your dentist at Sixth Avenue Dental will likely take some x-rays to get a closer look at the tooth and the surrounding bone, including the roots. To begin the treatment, an anesthetic will be administered to the tooth and surrounding area to numb the site. A sheet of latex rubber called a dental dam will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and clean. A hole will then be made in the top of the tooth in order to access the inside. The decay will be removed and the inside of the tooth will be cleaned thoroughly and reshaped. Having a clean, smoothed canal will discourage the regrowth of bacteria inside the tooth. Once it has been prepared, the canal will be filled with a biocompatible material to restore the structure and strength to the tooth so that it can be used as normal again. To complete the treatment, the tooth will usually be topped with a crown, which will require a separate appointment.

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your dentist's instructions carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed.