What To Expect During Root Canal Treatment

Root canals have a bad rap. This tooth saving treatment can relieve pain by removing active infection and swelling. This treatment can also help save tooth structure when paired with a dental crown. Saving root structure is important for jaw bone health over time.

At Millbrook Village Dental, we focus on preventative dentistry to keep natural teeth for life. If you do need a root canal, here is what you can expect.

The treatment is performed in about one hour by a root canal dentist or endodontic specialist. You will receive local anesthetic for your comfort. The dentist will open an access point to allow endodontic tools to remove the infection and vital pulp from the tooth. The tooth will then be filled with gutta percha – a compound that replaces the vital pulp and strengthens the tooth structure. Paired with a dental crown, this treatment helps to preserve tooth function and keep the surrounding jaw bone healthy and vital.

In some cases, when infection is too aggressive or not responding to antibiotics, tooth extraction is required. Whenever possible, root canal is preferred.

If you suspect you may have a tooth infection, please visit our Millbrook dentists for an exam today. Early treatment helps save teeth!