A root canal is a procedure used to repair and save a tooth that has become badly decayed or infected. If left untreated, the surrounding tissue could become infected or abscessed, which would cause further damage to the tooth. During a root canal, the nerve in the middle of the tooth is removed to prevent the spread of infection. An x-ray performed by Dr. Wise will determine if a root canal is required.
Root Canal Process
To prevent your discomfort, a local freezing will be administered to the area requiring attention. A rubber dam will be placed around your tooth to keep the area dry and protect it from bacteria and saliva while we work. We'll drill a small access hole into the tooth so that the infected tissue can be removed; this is accomplished using very fine file. After the tooth pulp has been removed, and the root canal system enlarged, we fill the space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The root canal process is complete once we seal the opening with a filling.
Wise Dental Center strongly recommends that all teeth that have had a root canal receive a crown once the root canal process is complete. This is because root canal teeth can become very dry and brittle often resulting in the tooth cracking.
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