Root Canal Therapy: Save Your Natural Tooth

Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures—over 14 million are performed every year. This simple treatment can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for implants or bridges.

What is a Root Canal?

At the center of your tooth is pulp—a collection of blood vessels and nerve tissue. When this pulp becomes infected, root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent future infection.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Infection of the pulp can be caused by:

• Deep decay
• Trauma to the tooth
• Cracks and chips
• Repeated dental procedures

Symptoms include:

• Visible injury or swelling
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Pain in the tooth and gums
• Darkening of the tooth

The Root Canal Procedure

Don't believe the myths—modern root canal therapy is comfortable and effective:

1. Local anesthesia eliminates discomfort
2. The infected pulp is removed
3. The root canal system is thoroughly cleaned
4. The tooth is sealed
5. A crown is usually placed for protection

Treatment may be completed in one or two visits depending on your situation. Success rate is about 90%.

After Your Root Canal

When therapy is complete, you'll need a follow-up restoration (usually a crown) within a few weeks to protect your tooth. After that:

• Continue regular brushing and flossing
• Visit us for routine check-ups
• The tooth can last a lifetime with proper care

Cost Considerations

Root canal treatment is generally much less expensive than extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge. Plus, nothing looks, feels, or functions quite like your natural tooth!

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East Lake Dental Team

The East Lake Dental team is committed to providing exceptional dental care in a comfortable environment.