Root Canal Therapy
Root canals have long been one of the most feared procedures in dentistry. Today, dentistry has evolved to the point where root canal therapy no longer has to be the painful procedure it once was. It’s time to look past the bad reputation of the root canal and see it for the valuable, pain-relieving procedure it actually is.
Root Canal Therapy
The root canal is the area of the tooth that houses the pulp and the nerve of the tooth. Sometimes this part of the tooth can become infected. When this happens, not only is the tooth extremely painful and sensitive, but the infection can also spread to other areas of the mouth and to other teeth. The most effective way to treat this infection is through root canal therapy.
Once the anesthetic takes hold and you are completely numb, your dentist will create a hole in your tooth. Working through the hole, your dentist will clear away the infected material along with the pulp and any other debris. The interior of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned out to make sure that no infection is left. An antibiotic medication may be placed inside the tooth to prevent any further infection.
Your tooth will then be filled with filling material, and a cap or crown will be placed. This is necessary because the structure of the tooth will be weakened, and a restoration will protect the tooth from breakage and allow you to chew comfortably.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
If you have been experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call our office immediately. You may have an infection that could require treatment.
- Severe pain in one or more teeth
- Pain that is aggravated by chewing or other pressure
- Pain and sensitivity that is aggravated by hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening of one or more teeth
- A “pimple” on the gums
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums that may radiate to the cheek
Call our office to make an appointment. Root canal therapy may be necessary to get rid of your pain and reduce your stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! This is the #1 procedure that causes my patients to fall asleep. A small percentage of patients may need additional numbing during the process and this usually takes care of any pain.
The vast majority of back teeth will require a crown after a root canal. This is because usually, the tooth has had a large filling or a large cavity that has already weakened the tooth. The crown will protect the tooth from fracturing. We will discuss with you your options prior to starting the root canal.
A small hole is made in the top of the tooth to access the center of the tooth where the nerve is (after numbing of course). The insides of the roots are then shaped and disinfected, removing any nerve tissue in the process. This accomplishes two things, removing the painful nerve, and disinfecting the infected tooth. The roots are then filled. The roots are NOT removed during the procedure, so you still have roots to anchor the tooth in your jaw.
Each root has a canal or tunnel that runs through it which carries the nerve and tiny blood vessels. The full term is root canal therapy which means treatment of the root canal system. The other term you may hear is endodontic treatment or sometimes just “endo” for short. Endodontists are the dentists that specialize in “endo” or root canal therapy.
No, some people get this confused with the common recommendation that every root canal should have a crown done after. Most crowns do not need a root canal after however.
Meet Our Doctor:
Brian Burke DMD, PC
Dr. Brian T. Burke is a graduate from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. He continued his training in all facets of dentistry at Christiana Care's General Practice Residency in Wilmington, DE. He received his bachelor's degree in Biology with a Psychology minor at Penn State University. Dr. Burke met his wife, Stephanie, when he was in dental school and they decided to settle down outside of Philadelphia. Shortly after starting a family, they moved to Chester Springs where they are raising their three little girls.
Dr. Burke has been in ...