Getting a root canal may sound scary, but with modern dental techniques and technology, root canals are one of the most successful and pain-free procedures you can get.
Why should I choose root canal therapy?
Toothaches are painful, and can distract you from living your best life. They can also be a sign of a serious infection. Fortunately, root canal therapy can provide you with the relief you need, and with modern techniques and sedation, you won’t feel a thing. Root canals remove the infected area and restore the health of your tooth, saving you from a tooth extraction down the road.
DID YOU KNOW?
A root canal can save you from requiring a more invasive procedure, like an extraction.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Relieve Tooth Pain
Instantly alleviate your toothache by clearing out any infected or decayed material.
Stop The Spread Of Infection
Left untreated, infection can spread to other parts of your mouth, and even the rest of your body.
Save Your Tooth
Restore and maintain the health of your natural tooth, and avoid an extraction.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Diagnostics & Preparation
To find the source of your dental pain, Dr. Martella will begin by performing a comprehensive exam and review of your x-rays to get a complete picture of your oral health. If your tooth is infected, she will determine the extent of the infection to decide if root canal therapy will be an effective treatment.
If root canal therapy is needed, Dr. Martella will explain the procedure and be sure to answer any questions prior to starting the treatment. Dr. Martella will begin the therapy by numbing the area completely to ensure your comfort during treatment.
Removing Decay & Infected Pulp
Once you’re comfortable and fully numbed, Dr. Martella will begin the process of removing any decayed or infected material. Beginning with the enamel, she will move inwards, toward the pulp. Once the infected pulp has been cleared out, the canals will be cleaned with a special disinfectant to eliminate any remaining infection.
Filling & Sealing
Once your tooth has been completely cleaned and disinfected, the interior will be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. An inert material, gutta-percha replaces the extracted pulp and helps support the tooth and maintain its structure. Once the interior of the tooth has been filled, it will be restored with a temporary filling to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration is placed by your general dentist.
Digital Imaging
We use CBCT for precise 3D imaging and dental microscopes for better visibility, ensuring accurate and effective treatments.
Sedation Options
For your comfort and peace of mind, we offer a variety of sedation options to ensure your root canal therapy is a pain-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need root canal therapy?
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Root canal therapy is required if your tooth becomes infected, which most often happens one of two ways: A serious cavity can eat away at the outer layers of your enamel and dentin until it reaches the pulp. Once the pulp, which is responsible for keeping your tooth alive, is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria and becomes infected. Dental trauma that cracks or chips a tooth can expose the nerve and blood vessel-filled pulp to oral bacteria. If left untreated, either situation will lead to the infection, decay, and eventual death of your tooth’s pulp. When the infection starts to take hold, you’ll likely begin experiencing an array of symptoms like a toothache, inflamed gums near the tooth, and tooth sensitivity. That being said, there are times where this process can progress without any symptoms.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
No! Although it’s a common myth that root canal therapy hurts, it's actually the toothache from the infection that causes pain during the treatment. With modern dental techniques and technology, a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling. Not only will your mouth be numbed completely, but there are additional sedation options that Dr. Martella can discuss with you. Overall, root canal therapy is the best way to alleviate the pain and discomfort of an infected tooth.
Can root canal treatment fail? What happens if it does?
Although it’s rare, root canal treatment can fail. If there is any remaining bacteria or decay left behind that wasn’t removed during the initial root canal, or decay and bacteria re-develop, the tooth infection may return. If this happens to you, you’ll need to have another root canal to ensure the infection is completely removed and doesn’t have a chance to return again.
Do I always need a crown after a root canal?
While crowns are generally the best way to protect your tooth after a root canal, and are usually the recommendation for your back teeth, they are not always necessary. Front teeth may not need a crown after root canal treatment, however, it is always best to discuss this with your general dentist.
Is root canal therapy covered by insurance?
Root canal therapy is usually covered, at least in part, by most dental insurance plans. However, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with your insurance provider to gain a thorough understanding of your benefits, and to find out what type of treatments are covered.
Have more questions?
