What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is used to treat an infected tooth or a tooth that is at risk of infection. The procedure involves removing the dental pulp, the soft tissue from the inside of the tooth, and replacing it with a filler material that preserves the tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy offers many benefits:
- Treats infection. The dental pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth consisting of blood vessels and nerves. When bacteria invades the tooth it can infect the dental pulp. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue and cleans out the inside of the tooth before filling it to prevent reinfection.
- Relieves pain. An infected tooth can be extremely painful. Root canal therapy provides relief by removing the infected tissue as well as the nerves that send pain signals to the brain.
- Saves the tooth. The biggest benefit of root canal therapy is that it can often save your tooth, allowing it to remain in your mouth to look and function naturally.
- Prevents infection. Root canal therapy is sometimes performed proactively on an at-risk tooth to prevent infection. A tooth may be at risk for infection if it is cracked or severely decayed.
- Can last a lifetime. A tooth that has been restored with root canal therapy can often last for the rest of your life without any additional treatment.
Our office uses GentleWave technology for root canal treatments.
Are You a Good Candidate for Root Canal Therapy?
If you have a toothache or a certain tooth that is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, you may be a good candidate for root canal therapy. Your dentist may also recommend a root canal if you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped, broken, or severely decayed. A tooth that needs a crown may also need root canal therapy before the crown is placed.
With modern advancements, most patients in the Las Vegas area can complete a root canal procedure comfortably at our dental office. During a thorough examination, we identify infected pulp within the pulp chamber, where damaged pulp tissue in the innermost layer beneath the enamel and dentin may cause tooth pain, dental pain, sensitivity, or severe pain after trauma. Our endodontic therapy helps eliminate bacteria, protect surrounding teeth, preserve connective tissue, and prevent infection from continuing to spread. Unlike extraction or unnecessary removal, one of the most common dental procedures can restore your smile with a durable dental crown and sealed gutta percha filling. We also offer sedation options for patients with dental anxiety. While root canal cost varies, avoiding repeated dental procedures supports long-term oral health for many patients experiencing pain in the outer layers. Schedule an appointment today.