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Endodontic Therapy (Root Canals)

Deep beneath the outer enamel of your tooth is an area of soft tissue called pulp. The pulp carries the tooth’s nerves, veins and arteries and nourishes healthy tooth tissue. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top of the pulp to the tip of the root. Depending on location in the mouth, a tooth has between one and four canals.

Commonly a tooth becomes infected from deep decay, injury (due to trauma), or fracture and can damage the nerve beyond repair. If the nerve dies, pressure cannot be relieved from the inside of the tooth resulting in a toothace. Pain can be spontaneous, intermittent, throbbing, dull, felt when biting down, chewing, or when applying hot or cold food and liquids.

If the infection is left untreated and if root canal is not performed, pus builds up at the root tip and forms a “pus-pocket” called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth. Without endodontic therapy (root canal), the tooth may have to be extracted, causing surrounding teeth to shift. The space left behind may require an implant or a bridge that can become costly and time consuming.

Usually, root canals are simple procedures with little or no discomfort. During the first visit, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. A rubber dam will be placed to isolate the tooth and Dr. Hopgood will then drill an access hole into the tooth. The pulp chamber is cleaned, reshaped and sterilized to prevent recontamination of the tooth. Additionally, medication may be inserted into the area to kill bacteria and prevent additional infection. Depending on condition, the tooth may then be sealed temporarily to guard against bacteria and food debris or the tooth may be left open to drain. In most cases, the canals are filled right away.

On your next visit, the temporary filling material is removed and a post is inserted to provide strength and reinforce the tooth. Once the post is placed the area is permanently sealed. The tooth is then prepared for a crown or an onlay and you are placed in a temporary crown until the permanent returns form the laboratory. Approximately three to four weeks later, you will return to have your new gold onlay or porcelain crown placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve appearance.

Root canals have an extremely high success rate (usually higher than 95%).

Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com