Root canals become necessary when the pulp of a tooth is inflamed or infected. The idea of a root canal scares a lot of people, but there really is no cause for concern. At Cascade Endodontics in Orem, root canals are not much different than having a cavity filled.
The pulp of a healthy tooth is the soft tissue inside the cavity, or canal, in the center of the tooth. This tissue can become inflamed or infected from decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or from trauma to the face, like an accidental elbow to the jaw or from a car accident. The root canal procedure, known as endodontic therapy, is to remove the affected tissue.
When the pulp and nerve tissue in a tooth is damaged, it begins to break down. It becomes infected from the bacteria that multiplies and causes an abscess.
Endodontic therapy typical consists of:
- An x-ray. This allows us to see the shape of the root canals, and see whether there is any infection in the jaw bone.
- Anesthesia. As the procedure gets underway the patient’s jaw is numbed. Since everyone’s tolerance is different, we offer sedation dentistry.
- Removing the infected tissue. An access hole is drilled into the tooth, and the pulp and nerve tissue is removed. The entire inner area is cleaned and sealed.
- Filling the cavity. The interior of the tooth is filled with a special rubber compound.
- Restoration. The last step usually involves placing a crown over the area that was worked on.
The entire process may take several office visits to complete. In between, the patient has temporary fillings and crowns.
At Cascade Endodontics Orem we specialize in root canal therapy. It is a safe and common procedure that can save a tooth.
Jon Jenson DDS
Cascade Endodontics
1375 E 800 N Ste 203
Orem, UT 84097
801-404-5810