Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a conservative therapy used to save a decayed or damaged tooth from extraction. At Mt. Scott Family Dental, our dentists use modern tools and techniques for comfortable, effective therapy that can often be completed in one visit utilizing our same day restoration solutions.

What is a Root Canal Infection?

Our teeth are composed of multiple layers. The innermost layer contains the pulpy material that makes up the tooth's nerve, and runs through canals in the root connecting with the rest of the body. Trauma, a deep cavity, or a fracture can damage the pulp and promote infection resulting in pain and pressure that disrupt daily activities. Dr. Donnelly and Dr. Nomie may recommend a root canal to eliminate discomfort and save your damaged tooth from extraction. It’s important that we perform a root canal at the earliest stage of infection, so knowing the warning signs saves patients a lot of pain. Some of the signs and symptoms of root canal infection:

• Throbbing pain around one tooth
• Extreme sensitivity to temperature changes
• Swollen or infected gums around one tooth
• Sores or discolored spots on the gums
• Darkly colored spots in a tooth
• As the infection spreads, patients may experience fever, nausea, and other signs of illness resulting from the infection

What is the Root Canal Process?

Patients who have an infected root canal may be able to save their damaged tooth with endodontic (endo-inside, odont-tooth) therapy, commonly referred to as a root canal. This procedure is essentially painless, and offers patients significant relief from toothaches caused by root canals. In some cases, we are able to complete treatment in a single day. The first step in the root canal procedure is to remove the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth. This is achieved by drilling a small access hole, and then removing the pulp, nerve, and infection. In severe cases, the infection spreads to the surrounding teeth and gums, and an oral or topical antibiotic may be necessary before treatment can be concluded. Once the tooth is completely free from infection, it is refilled with a biocompatible material that supports the tooth’s structure. Finally, the entire tooth is covered with a crown. This crown protects the tooth from future damage or decay.

Relieve Toothache Pain at Mt. Scott Family Dental

Call Mt. Scott Family Dental today to schedule your root canal. We provide Happy Valley with exemplary service and one-of-a-kind care for terrific smiles.