What is a root canal?
Root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels and nerves that helps to build and maintain the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, fractures, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling around the tooth or jaw, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in a tooth that prevents you from being able to sleep at night.
How is a root canal performed?
If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Kopper will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. You will be able to drive home after your treatment.
What happens after treatment?
You will set up an appointment for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion. Dr. Kopper will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for patients to experience complications after a routine non-surgical root canal. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.