Root Canal Therapy

Just the thought of root canal therapy can send shivers down the spine of the bravest of us. But what many people don't realize is that the procedure relieves pain rather than causing it. At Prosper & Smile Dental Care, we strive to provide gentle, comfortable treatments. Our cutting-edge endodontic techniques, nitrous oxide sedation, and pain-free injections will help you relax as you receive the highest quality care.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

The root canal is the hollow area extending from the crown to the root of the tooth. It contains the soft pulp tissues, commonly referred to as the nerve. Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment that's needed when the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, trauma, repeated dental treatments, tooth chips or fracture, or damaged dental work.

What Are Signs You Require Root Canal Therapy?

Signs of tooth pulp inflammation or infection requiring root canal therapy include lingering sensitivity to heat and cold, sharp pain when chewing or biting, a cracked or chipped tooth, swollen or painful gums, deep decay, darkened gums, tooth discoloration, or pimple-like bumps on the gums.

In some cases, tooth pulp infection may develop but not produce symptoms. That’s why it’s important to keep up with your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Sisombath will treat any problems as they arise, preventing the need for extensive treatments down the road.

What Is the Root Canal Procedure?

Dr. Sisombath will make a small opening in the tooth's crown to access and remove the infected pulp. Next, she will clean, shape, and decontaminate the root canals using tiny files and irrigation solutions. The last step of your endodontic procedure is filling the root canals with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and then sealing them off. A root canal-treated tooth has the potential of lasting a lifetime with proper care!

A root canal treatment typically requires one appointment to complete. In some rare, highly complex cases, Dr. Sisombath may refer you to an endodontist for treatment.

What Happens After Root Canal Therapy?

After root canal therapy, the treated tooth becomes prone to fracture and will require a dental crown for protection. Dr. Sisombath will prepare the tooth by removing some of its structure to make room for your restoration. Next, she will take an impression of the area to send to our dental laboratory for fabrication. She'll place a temporary crown for protection as you wait.

When your new crown is ready, you'll return to our office for a placement appointment. Dr. Sisombath will make sure the crown fits perfectly. She'll make any needed adjustments and then cement your new restoration in place.

What Happens If You Don't Get a Needed Root Canal Treatment?

Unlike the rest of the body, diseased tooth pulp cannot repair itself. Without treatment, the infection can progress to the neighboring teeth and bone, wreaking havoc on your oral health. It can also enter the bloodstream and make its way to other organs in the body, causing serious health concerns.

Root canal therapy will save the tooth, preventing the need for extraction followed by a tooth replacement such as a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. It helps safeguard your oral and overall health.