A root canal is a simple non-surgical procedure that can save your natural teeth, preventing the need for artificial tooth replacment. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels at the center of your tooth. A root canal is needed when the pulp becomes infected. Infection of the pulp can cause swelling, sensitivity, and pain in the teeth and gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will likely referr you for non-surgical endodontic therapy. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia. Success for endodontic therapy occurs in about 90% of cases.
Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, however, this will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery is used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still cause pain in the tooth. Damaged tooth root surfaces and the surrounding jaw bone may also be treated with endodontic surgery. An apicoectomy or root-end resection is the most common surgery preformed to save damaged teeth.
We are members of the American Association of Endodontists. We look forward to being of service to you. Our expert team, led by respected endodontic specialists, Dr. George Pelayo and Dr. Matthew Fisher, includes an experienced endodontic staff. We provide the highest standard of professional care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We hope that the information provided here answers many of your questions about endodontic treatment (root canal therapy).
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