Huntington dentist, Dentist in Huntington, WV

Root Canal (Endodontics)

Root Canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerves from the roots of a tooth. A root canal is often necessary to save an infected tooth. If an infected tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this problem before it deteriorates too far. Other reasons you may need a root canal (also called Endodontics) is if there is a nerve exposure upon excavation of decay in a tooth as well as fractures of a tooth that are bad enough to expose the nerve (fracture and damage to front teeth are common findings too)

Process

The first step of the procedure is to anesthetize the effected area. The next step is to open an access point through the top, or biting surface of the tooth. The doctor will then determine a working length of each canal. Each canal is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is filled with an inert material: either a special cement or an material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed. The tooth is now ready for a restoration, which is usually a crown. Just prior to the crown procedure, generally a retention post is sized and cemented into the root canal or root for additional strength and support This entire procedure is often completed in two visits unless there is infection present. If infection, then multiple visits and the use of antibiotics us usually the case.

Why do I need a root canal?

There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or trauma to the tooth without any portion of the tooth being broken or cracked or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth.

Signs/Symptoms

-Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.

-Sensitivity to hot foods or liquids usually indicates an already damaged or infected nerve.

-Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth

-Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth

-Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night

-A throbbing or 'heart-beat' type of pain or discomfort in the tooth.

-A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood (called Fistula)

-Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another