Root Canals
West Linn, OR
A root canal is a highly important procedure that can help preserve a tooth from unwanted loss, but many people are understandably hesitant about having it done. While this procedure is safe, routine, and painless, it also can be quite confusing to people who had never heard of them before or never had one done. A root canal is performed when a tooth is at risk of being lost due to advanced tooth decay or infection. When we see a patient in our office who is in danger of losing a tooth, we here at ZenTech Dentistry may advise a root canal as a means to help save it.
What is a Root Canal, and Why Do I Need One?
Did you know that your tooth is alive? Your tooth is kept alive by nerves and blood vessels inside it, which feed it nutrients and keep it healthy. However, when those nerves and vessels are attacked by bacteria or infection, the tooth is at risk of dying and being lost. When that happens, we must go inside the tooth to remove all of the infection. This procedure is known as a root canal.
During a root canal, we will go inside your tooth to remove the infected or dead pulp. We will start by performing digital X-rays to get a better idea of the health of your tooth and the extent of the damage. Before we begin, first and foremost, we will numb your mouth to prevent you from experiencing any pain or discomfort.
We will clean and dry the tooth, then cover it with a dental dam to help protect it during the procedure. Next, we’ll carefully drill into your tooth to allow us access to the pulp. We then thoroughly clean all infected material out of your tooth, then file and shape it to start the filling. During this stage, we may wash the area with antibacterial ointment to kill any remaining bacteria and infection.
Once the area is ready to be filled, we’ll pack it with a rubbery material called gutta percha. Gutta-percha will protect and seal the area off to prevent the infection from coming back. We’ll then place a temporary filling over the tooth to protect it while we wait for your crown to come back from our lab. We may also decide to use a permanent filling instead of a crown, depending on your specific needs and the needs of your tooth. When we get your crown back from our lab, we’ll call you back in for another appointment to attach and fix the crown in place. After making sure it’s a good fit, and you’re comfortable, then your root canal is complete!
A root canal is an excellent option for our patients, as it can help prolong the life of your tooth. When you get a root canal procedure done at our office, you can expect high-quality care and lasting results. A root canal can last you the rest of your life if you practice good oral hygiene and make sure to take care of your teeth. If you have any questions about root canals or if you’re wondering if you might be a good candidate for this procedure, please give us here at ZenTech Dentistry a call today at (503) 765-9699 to set up an appointment for a consultation for this highly beneficial procedure. |
Appointment
(503) 765-9699
