
A root canal treatment is a commonly known but often misunderstood procedure. Contrary to popular belief, these treatments aren't painful — in fact, they often stop a toothache. More importantly, a “root canal” can give a tooth on the verge of loss another lease on life.
Still, if you've never experienced a root canal treatment before, you probably have questions. Here are the answers to a few of the most common.
Why do they call it a “root canal”? This is the popular shorthand term for a procedure that removes diseased tissue from a decay-infected pulp, the innermost part of a tooth and the actual root canals themselves. Root canals are the narrow, hollow channels that run from the tip of the root to the pulp and are also involved in the procedure.
Why do I need one? Once infected, the pulp's bundles of blood vessels, nerves and other tissues become diseased. This often results in a painful toothache that can also suddenly disappear once the nerves within the pulp die. But there's still a problem: If we don't clean out the diseased and dead pulp tissue, the infection could spread through the root canals to the bone and endanger the tooth's survival.
What happens during the procedure? After deadening the tooth and surrounding gums with local anesthesia, we enter the pulp through an access hole we create. Using special instruments we remove the diseased tissue and shape the root canals to seal them with a filling material called gutta percha. Sealing the access hole is then necessary to prevent re-infection. Later we'll cap the tooth with a porcelain crown to restore its appearance and add further protection against fracture or cracking of the tooth.
Who can perform a root canal treatment? In many cases a general dentist can perform the procedure. There are some complex situations, however, that require a root canal specialist with additional training, expertise and equipment to handle these more difficult cases. If your tooth is just such a case it's more than likely your general dentist will refer you to an endodontist to make sure you get the right kind of care to save it.
If you would like more information on root canal treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know.”
Comments:
Find Us
201 Pauline Dr
Berea, KY 40403
859-985-0201
Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (94)
- orthodontic treatment (13)
- tooth extraction (2)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- common symptoms (3)
- oral hygiene (27)
- oral health (28)
- diabetes (2)
- pediatric dentistry (19)
- periodontal disease (4)
- gum disease (11)
- diabetic (1)
- teeth whitening (5)
- cosmetic dentistry (25)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- oral sedation (1)
- nutrition (4)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- pregnancy (2)
- root planing (1)
- veneers (4)
- smile makeover (9)
- dental injury (7)
- crown (2)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- oral cancer (4)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (5)
- bad breath (3)
- braces (6)
- teething (4)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- tooth decay (7)
- bonding (3)
- chipped teeth (4)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- dental implants (15)
- dentures (3)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- tmj (2)
- dental injuries (1)
- root canal (6)
- fluoride (2)
- floss (1)
- tooth wear (2)
- mouthguard (2)
- baby teeth (1)
- cracked mouth (1)
- tmd (1)
- tmj disorders (3)
- crowns (5)
- bridge (1)
- chipped tooth (4)
- dental anxiety (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- missing tooth (1)
- dental care (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- bacteria (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- root canal treatment (5)
- anesthesia (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- retainers (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- saliva (2)
- tooth grinding (1)
- toothache (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- smile design (2)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- dental emergency (1)
- canker sore (1)
- mouthguards (5)
- gummy smile (1)
- adult braces (1)
- cancer treatment (1)
- periodontist (1)
- gum recession (2)
- sealants (1)
- cancer (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- composite resin (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- dry mouth (1)
- smoking (1)
- dental implant (8)
- retainer (1)
- extraction (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- vaping (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- mouth sore (1)