Root Canal Q&A

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What is a root canal?

A root canal is an endodontic procedure used to address infected or inflamed tooth pulp. The pulp is the squishy interior of your tooth. It contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, but isn’t necessary for a tooth’s long-term survival. 

By removing your tooth pulp, Dr. Young can preserve the tough external structure. This prevents the need for further treatment while significantly lowering your risk of gum recession, bone loss, and other more serious complications.

Why would I need a root canal?

Dr. Young uses root canal therapy to treat infected or otherwise damaged tooth pulp. Some of the most common causes of pulp damage include:

• Deep decay caused by untreated cavities
• Chips and cracks
• Getting hit in the mouth and damaging a tooth
• Undergoing several procedures on the same tooth

If you experience tooth sensitivity, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, contact Dr. Young right away. These symptoms all indicate pulp damage and require prompt attention.

What happens during root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a quick procedure. At the beginning of your appointment, Dr. Young administers a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience. Once the anesthesia kicks in, he carefully makes a hole in the top of your affected tooth and removes the infected pulp. 

During root canal retreatment, Dr. Young removes your crown and recleans the center of your tooth. He uses special tools to magnify and illuminate the canals inside your tooth, looking for any areas he might have missed. He fills your tooth with gutta-percha, takes impressions of your tooth, and sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that makes a new crown.

About a week later, you return to the office. Dr. Young removes your temporary crown and makes sure your tooth is healing properly. If everything looks good, he lines up your permanent crown and bonds it in place.

To learn more about the benefits of a root canal, schedule a consultation with Dr. Young. Book a consultation online, or call the office to speak with a team member today.