Endodontics
Sometimes the infection persists even after root canal therapy. In these cases, an apicoectomy, or root end resection can be performed to remove diseased tissue.
1) An incision is made to allow access to the base of the tooth. The inflamed or infected pulp is treated and the canals are carefully cleaned and shaped.
2) A small filling may be placed in the remaining tip of the tooth to seal the root canal. The gum tissue is stitched back into place.
3) A crown is placed to protect the tooth.
The nerves and blood vessels in the root canals of a tooth are called the pulp. When bacteria or decay affect the pulp, root Canal Therapy may be necessary. Root Canal Therapy cleanses the damaged area and restores the tooth. We remove infected pulp, clean the root canal space, and then fill the space with special, medicated filling materials. You receive a fully functional tooth that can last a lifetime.
Improvement on the traditional method uses the dental laser to thoroughly clean the root canal space. The energy from the laser penetrates the small tubules of the root canal much more profoundly than traditional methods, ensuring better cleaning and a more complete removal of bacteria.
Causes of a Root Canal
Root canals are necessary when a cavity that has been left untreated becomes larger. Once the cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, an infection forms at the base of the root canal, causing an abscess. This abscess is generally painful and will need to be removed.
The doctors at Denver Dental Specialties, PLLC know that serious tooth decay can often lead to a root canal. A root canal may be needed if the decay has reached the tooth's nerve. Essentially, a root canal involves cleaning out a tooth's infected root, then filling and sealing the canal.
Root Canal Procedure:
1) An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
2) The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
3) The infected area is medicated.
4) The root canals are filled.
5) The crown opening is filled with a temporary.
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, you may need a root canal. The only sure way to know is to call our Lakewood, CO dental office at 303-986-2212 and setup an appointment with one of the doctors.
