What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Many patients have heard of root canals but may have misconceptions about them. This is because there is a common myth that root canals are painful. However, pain is often the symptom that brings our patients to the office to determine if the root canal treatment is suitable for their needs.

Root canal therapy is described as a dental procedure where your dentist accesses the inner canals of a natural tooth to remove the dental pulp inside and disinfect the area. After this has been done, the tooth is sealed off with a material called gutta-percha, and often, a dental crown is used for added strength and protection. The treatment is done entirely with local anesthetics and, if needed, sedation to ensure patients are comfortable and pain-free from start to finish!

What Are Some Alternative Services To Root Canal Therapy?

Unfortunately, for many of our patients, root canal therapy is the only option left to have the opportunity to save a natural tooth from permanent extraction. It is a last effort to keep the tooth in the smile, which is always preferred over removal.

Is Root Canal Therapy Successful?

When this treatment is performed by a trained and experienced dental provider, endodontic treatment is often highly successful. It allows patients to keep their teeth in place and avoid removal and replacement with implants, dentures, or bridges.