Reasons for Root Canal Treatment:

• Infected tooth due to decay or injury
• Pain from pressure or biting down
• Tooth pain and severe sensitivity to hot and cold
• Danger of infection spreading

Advantages of Root Canal Treatment

• Saves a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed
• Relieves pain and discomfort
• Maintains bite stability

The Process of Root Canal Treatment

Dr. Owens is highly trained and has diagnosed and performed many, many root canals. Sometimes, however, due to case complexity or scheduling constraints, Dr. Owens refers cases out to root canal specialists, also known as endodontists. Whether being treated here or at an endodontist’s office, here is what you can expect at your visit.

Inside each tooth is a pulp chamber that contains the nerves and blood supply for the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to decay, fracture or injury, it must be removed from the center of the tooth. The canal is then cleaned and a temporary filling is placed in the void, until a final restorative procedure (usually a crown) can be completed. This is done in order to save the rest of the structure of the tooth.

All teeth that have had a root canal must then be protected with a porcelain covering known as a crown. This is because teeth that have had the pulp removed are more susceptible to fracture. For more information about porcelain crowns, click here.

If you prefer not to undergo root canal treatment, the only real alternative is to remove the infected tooth. However, there are replacement options to prevent shifting and weakening around where the tooth used to be. This can be done by replacing the tooth with a bridge or with an implant.