What Is a Root Canal?

In this video, Dr. Gloria Stingley explains what a root canal treats and how it can help save a damaged tooth.

Dentistry has many aspects. When decay becomes so deep that it compromises the blood supply to a tooth, the patient may need a root canal. These teeth must be properly diagnosed. Sometimes they are diagnosed as necrotic (the nerve inside the tooth has died) or having irreversible pulpitis. When a tooth reaches this stage, the only way to preserve it is to remove all infection. A root canal involves removing the decay, cleaning the canals and pulp chamber, and sealing the tooth with a man-made material so bacteria cannot reenter.

In some cases, the decay is so severe that more than one-third of the tooth structure is missing. In those situations, we perform what is called a post and core. This involves removing some of the gutta-percha or filling material from the root canal so a post can be placed. A core is then built around the post to provide strength for the crown that will be placed on the tooth. Endodontic treatment is often the last option before extracting a tooth, and many patients prefer to preserve their natural teeth whenever possible.

For those patients, a root canal provides an option to keep the tooth.

If you or someone you love is struggling with damaged or infected teeth, contact Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry for a free screening to learn how root canal therapy can enhance your smile, improve your function, and restore your self-confidence.


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