Endodontic, or root canal treatment, is one of the most common dental procedures performed. Similar to other dental procedures, except this procedure involves removing the soft inner portion of the tooth. This tissue is referred to as the pulp, and is responsible for forming the tooth when you are young. The pulp may be removed when it becomes infected or inflamed. Inflammation or infection can be caused by cumulative irritation from previous dental procedures, decay, cracks, or trauma.

Tooth symptoms requiring endodontic treatment often include cold or heat sensitivity, pressure or pain to biting, or tenderness and swelling of the surrounding gum tissue. Spontaneous or vague aching sensations also may indicate a tooth problem. Endodontic problems are very common, yet oral pain is often misdiagnosed as ear ache, sinus, or headache. Symptoms vary, so it is important that an accurate diagnosis be made following a thorough examination, which also requires an x-ray or radiograph of the area.

Root canal treatment is in many ways like removing a splinter from a wound. As the pulp becomes inflamed or begins to degenerate, it can be removed so that the tooth can remain. The procedure generally involves local anesthetic, and the experience is similar in many ways to a regular filling. Appointment times are usually one hour and are most often completed at that time. Occasionally more than one visit is necessary depending on the diagnosis. The treatment involves cleaning, shaping, and filling the canal system inside the tooth.

Following treatment, a permanent or temporary filling will be placed to seal the tooth, depending on subsequent treatment planned. Your referring doctor will decide on the type of permanent restoration required. One of the leading causes of failure of endodontic treatment is leakage and contamination of the root canal filling, therefore it is important to contact your dentist immediately following treatment to schedule this work. If a temporary filling was placed and you suspect that it may have come out, call our office or contact your referring dentist within 24 hrs.

Local anesthetic should relieve any discomfort, but nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation are available to relieve anxiety. Please contact our office prior to your appointment if the think you are interested in sedation. Special arrangements or accommodations are necessary for scheduling treatment with sedation.