Root canals: Not as bad as you think!
Endodontics is the dental specialty dealing with the nerves of teeth and root canals are the most common endodontic procedure. “Root canal” may seem like a scary term for patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure as well as modern innovation has hindered this notion. Once the tooth has been numbed with a local anesthetic, the dentist will drill into the tooth in order to remove infected tissue. Once the infection has been removed, it is replaced with a sealant called gutta percha and a crown fitting is recommended for appearance and comfort.
What is retreatment?
Root canals performed by endodontists generally have a 95% success rate, however there are some rare cases in which the tooth fails to heal. If a tooth becomes painful or diseased long after the procedure, retreatment may be needed.
How is retreatement performed?
Retreatment generally takes two visits. The initial visit is when your endodontist will examine your tooth, take x-rays and discuss your treatment options. The second visit is when your retreatment is performed. Your endodontist will numb the tooth with a local anesthetic before reopening the tooth and removing the old canal filling, after which the canal will be cleaned and examined for further issues. Your endodontist will then clean the canals and fill and seal them with a temporary filling. Shortly after the procedure, you will need to return to you dentist to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to restore it to full function.
Root canals and other endodontic procedures may seem aggravating at first. They are a necessary part of your dental heath, not to mention modern dental technology makes them nearly painless!
Call us today to schedule your endodontic appointment