A root canal is a heavy-duty dental treatment that works to save an injured or diseased tooth from extraction. The root canal process is an intricate combination of steps designed to re-engineer the inner workings of a tooth in trouble. If performed with great care and skill, a root canal can last a lifetime.
When Root Canals are Needed
Your “dental pulp” is the network of nutrients and nerves that keep a tooth alive. A root canal is usually recommended when the dental pulp inside the tooth becomes infected and cannot repair itself properly. Tooth decay is often the cause of dental pulp death, along with tooth fractures and breaks that allow bacteria inside the pulp.
If you are experiencing any signs of a major tooth problem, such as pain, tooth abscess, or a noticeable tooth crack, an experienced cosmetic dentist can talk to you about the root canal option as an alternative to tooth loss.
Getting a Root Canal
The first step in a root canal procedure is to remove the diseased pulp inside the affected tooth. Once the pulp chamber is cleaned, sterilized and reshaped, it is filled with a biocompatible replacement material called gutta percha and sealed. For the final step, we fit your tooth with a porcelain crown for added protection and strength.
Preventing Tooth Loss
Because infection of the dental pulp often produces no symptoms until the damage is done, it is important that you visit us every six months for your wellness visit.
If you need a root canal, treatment should be performed as soon as possible to prevent bone, gum, and other problems. If you wait too long and an infection is allowed to cause too much damage, you may have to have your tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of a root canal, I invite you to schedule a personal consultation with my skilled dental team. As you will see in our smile gallery, there are many options for cosmetic and restorative smile enhancement — and every treatment is expertly tailored to your individual needs. Please contact my Boulder, Colorado dental office to set up your visit.
Dr. Ania
Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry
