Henderson dentist, Dentist in Henderson, NV

Root Canal (Endodontics)

Root Canal, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerves and blood vessels 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.

Process

After anesthetizing the affected tooth and surrounding gum tissue, the tooth is isolated with a rubber dam (a square of latex free rubber material). Dr. Wineman or the endodontic specialist he will refer you to will then drill a small access into the tooth aiming for the pulpal tisues (nerve and blood vessels in the middle of the tooth). Upon reaching the pulpal chamber the canal(s) are measured to determine the working length of each root. Each root canal is thoroughly cleaned and shaped using hand and/or rotary instrumentation in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is filled with an inert material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed. The tooth is now ready for a restoration, which is usually a crown. This entire procedure is often completed in one visit.

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 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 similar foods.

-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 pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood

-Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another