Root Canal Therapy

If you are experiencing discomfort or sensitivity in your teeth, it’s always important to have it checked out. At Cannon Family Dental, a proper examination is necessary to determine the cause. If nerve damage is suspected Dr. Cannon will look for several indicators such as; color change, temperature sensitivity, pressure sensitivity, as well as taking x-ray. Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, root canal treatment has given dentists a safe way of saving teeth.

Dr. Cannon uses root canal treatment to find the cause and then treat problems of the tooth’s soft core, also known as the dental pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.

When the pulp is diseased or injured and can’t repair itself, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let bacteria enter the pulp. Bacteria can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth. When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jaw bones. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed. In order to save your tooth, Dr. Cannon removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.

As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums, and along with regular checkups your new tooth could last a lifetime. You can smile at ease knowing your tooth is pain-free!