What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure used to treat inflamed or infected pulp within the tooth. The pulp of a tooth is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and immune system cells. Some causes for inflamed pulp include deep decay, faulty crowns, repeated work on the tooth, or chips and cracks. If the tooth is not properly treated then an abscess may develop.
What occurs during the procedure?
During a root canal treatment, local anesthetic is used to numb the infected tooth and allow the patient to be comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Ken will then drill into the tooth and create an opening into the canal. Following this, the infected tissue will be removed and the canal will be disinfected. After the infection has been removed, the space is filled with a sealant called gutta percha. A filling or crown is then prepared on the tooth. A tooth that has had root canal treatment can usually be restored to last as long as any other tooth.
