Root Canal Therapy: Easy Does It

Your teeth contain several layers: the outer protective enamel, a secondary layer of dentin, and an inner soft 'pulp' tissue layer containing the 'life of the tooth': nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Each pulp chamber branches off at the top, forming 'canals' that lead toward the tooth root tip. These infamous ‘root canals’ serve to facilitate the ongoing activities within the tooth.

Pressure, Pain, & Problem Pulp

Many things can go wrong in this vital pulp area. A deep cavity, traumatic injury, or tooth fracture can open the way for bacterial entry and infection. Such bacteria can either damage or kill the pulp, stimulating increased blood flow and cellular activity, creating tremendous pressure build-up within the tooth itself. Hence the root canal treatment's terrible reputation: unrelieved inner tooth pressure results in severe pain. What’s more, a fast-spreading infection may set off a chain reaction of even more serious and damaging events: surrounding bone degeneration, tooth loss, and increased pain. Pain that begins as a mild discomfort during biting often escalates quickly to being constant and acute if left untreated.

At this point, even emergency dental care can seldom save the tooth. But extraction introduces a whole new chain of undesirable side effects: shifting adjacent teeth can move into improper, crooked positions, disturbing the bite. In turn, a bad bite puts uneven wear and tear on the entire dentition, leading to ongoing dental problems down the road. All of which simply underlines the importance of seeing Dr. Stenvall at the first sign of pain or soreness in any of your teeth. If it’s early enough along in the disease process, he can test the problem tooth and recommend root canal therapy.

Cleaning, Filling & Welcome Relief

Although the words 'root canal' may sound ominous and frightening, that doesn't have to be the case. Today’s analgesics and anesthetics, together with technology such as the nickel-titanium rotary drill, render the once dreaded ‘root canal’ quite routine. In fact, the entire process often requires only one appointment. Typically, Dr. Stenvall will numb the area, gently drill a gap down from the crown into the infected pulp chamber, clear out all diseased pulp, and reshape the inside area. Our BIOLASE Waterlaser completes this step with precision, quickly, and with incredible comfort! As needed, we apply bacteria-fighting medication into the canals, then complete the procedure one of three ways: seal the crown temporarily to guard against recontamination, leave it open to drain, or immediately fill the canals with an inert recontamination prevention material. We may need to reinforce a weak tooth with a tiny, indiscernible metal post; sometimes we'll also strengthen it and improve the tooth's appearance with a porcelain crown.

While some patients experience post-procedural soreness or slight tissue inflammation, these are controllable with over the counter analgesics. And once your tooth is cleaned and permanently sealed in this way, you can go back to eating normally and comfortably. Simply remember to maintain meticulous home hygiene, and visit our office regularly for cleanings and check-ups.

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