Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip. If you think you need a root canal, consult your dentist. There are a number of steps that occur over a few office visits.
- X-ray – if a dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he will first take X-rays or examine existing X-rays to show where the decay is located.
- Anesthesia – local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth. The good news is, a root canal is no more painful than a filling.
- Pulpectomy – an opening is made and the diseased tooth pulp is removed.
- Filling – the roots that have been opened (from the pulpectomy) are filled with gutta-percha material and sealed with cement.
Questions? Give our office a call today at (254)-898-4646
