Root Canal
The thought of having a root canal strikes fear in the hearts of many people. In spite of all the bad press, today’s modern dental techniques make root canals more efficient and comfortable than ever before.
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Your Tobler Dental team always has your complete comfort in mind, no matter what treatment you receive. Our team is sensitive to the fact that root canals can be stressful for many people. Your comfort is as important to us as it is to you, and we’ll do everything possible to make your treatment stress-free.
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Reasons to Perform a Root Canal
A root canal is necessary when the nerve of a tooth is irreversibly damaged due to injury, trauma, or decay that has spread to the interior portion of the tooth. Once the nerve becomes damaged beyond repair, we really only have two ways to treat the tooth: root canal or extraction.
Teeth don’t heal themselves, and if we don’t treat the problem quickly, a painful dental abscess can form, accompanied by swelling and severe pain. You may not realize it, but if the abscess is not treated, this can become a life-threatening situation.
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The Root Canal Procedure
Your teeth have three layers that make up the visible portion (crown) of a tooth. Enamel is an extremely strong material and forms the outer layer of our teeth. The middle layer is dentin, and the nerve (dental pulp) is in the center. The nerve consists of two parts: the pulp chamber and the root canal. Hence the term “root canal.”
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First, we numb the tooth so you won’t feel any discomfort. Next, we create a tiny hole so we can access the inside of your tooth. We then remove the infected tissue inside the root canals.
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Once the infection has been removed, we disinfect the canals and fill them with a sterile material to seal them. If the root canal is performed on a crown molar or premolar, we usually recommend that a crown is placed to protect and strengthen the tooth.
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After all the bad publicity, it may be hard to believe, but root canals really don’t hurt. Once you’re numbed with a local anesthetic, you won’t feel anything. You may feel some soreness after the procedure, but it’s usually nothing that can’t be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication.
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Please Contact Us for an Appointment
When you’re with us, you can be confident that your care is in the hands of our experienced, compassionate team. We’re experts at keeping you calm and comfortable, no matter what procedure you’re having.
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If you suspect you may need a root canal, please contact our office as soon as possible to arrange an appointment. If you’re already in pain, please call and we’ll make arrangements to see you as quickly as possible.