When tooth decay or damage becomes so severe that it extends through the outer enamel and dentine layers into the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be your only option to eliminate pain and prevent further damage.
Warning Signs you may need a Root Canal
- Severe pain or toothache when chewing
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling of the gums
- A recurring pimple on the gums
If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal procedure will take multiple visits to the dentist and includes the following steps:
- X-Rays: Step one is to find out exactly what you are dealing with. This requires X-rays to see the shape of the root canal and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
- Rubber Dam: To keep the area dry during the procedure, your dentist will place a rubber damn around the affected tooth.
- Access Hole: Next, your dentist will drill an access hole in the tooth and remove the tooth pulp and decayed nerve tissue.
- Clean Out: Using a series of root canal files, your dentists will place these files into the access hole and work down the full length of the tooth to scrape and scrub the sides of the root canals.
- Temporary Filling: If the root canal is not completed on the same day, a temporary filling is placed in the exterior hole in the tooth to keep debris out.
- Sealing: Once the tooth is cleaned, it needs to be sealed. A sealer paste and a rubber compound called gutta percha are placed into the root canal.
- Exterior Hole: A filling is placed to cover the exterior hole.
- Dental Crown: Because of the damage to the tooth, a dental crown may be required to protect the tooth from further damage.
Root Canals from Annapolis Dental Care
During the procedure we clean out this inner area of any bacteria and dead nerve or pulp tissue that are causing you pain. Once this is done, we’ll fill in the inner portions and seal it to prevent further damage. Following this procedure, the tooth becomes brittle requiring a crown be placed on it. We can take care of that too.
In the end, we eliminate the pain you’re experiencing while preserving your existing teeth and your smile!
If you have any questions about Root Canals and Dental Care, or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today!
“Great dentist! Gentle, smart, and knowledgeable. I would HIGHTLY recommend. He did a crown for me and the process was painless and the results were beautiful! Super nice guy and great staff. Wonderful! Dr. Steckler is the best! Great with insurance hassles too!!!!” – Pink Girl
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