Root Canals
What are Root Canals?
A root canal is necessary if the pulp, or nerve, of your tooth has become infected or exposed. At Mykleby & Thao Family Dentistry, root canals are performed quickly and safely. The procedure involves removing the actual pulp, or nerve, of the tooth so that it no longer causes you pain or severe sensitivity. An exam and x-ray is needed before we can determine if a root canal is required.
Why would you need Root Canals?
The most common reason for needing a root canal is because decay has been allowed to reach the pulp of the tooth. Every tooth has an inner pulp, which is often referred to as the nerve of the tooth. Once the pulp has become infected by decay, it needs to be removed because it will cause severe pain and sensitivity. If a tooth has broken, fractured or cracked, the pulp may have become exposed and will need to be completely removed.
What makes you a good candidate for Root Canals?
The majority of our patients who need to have a root canal are good candidate for the actual procedure. Root canals help to save the actual tooth from being extracted. The procedure is the last attempt to save a tooth that has been seriously compromised. Our goal is to provide you with a root canal that is painless, effective and done quickly.
What happens during the procedure for Root Canals?
We will first anesthetize the area that will be having the root canal performed. Our dentist will then drill into the tooth to remove any decay and get down to the pulp, or nerve. The pulp is carefully and fully removed using specialized instruments and tools. The canals of the tooth are cleaned out to remove any remaining pulp. We will then fill these canals with a special material that contains an antibacterial medication. The hole that was made in the tooth is then filled with a composite filling. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete in our office here at Mykleby & Thao Family Dentistry.
If you think you might need to have a root canal performed or want to know more about this procedure, call us today and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you to come in.