San Antonio dentist, Dentist in San Antonio, TX

Root Canal (Endodontics)

Root Canal, or endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected or dying pulp tissue in order to save an infected tooth.

When an infected tooth is left alone an abscess can form causing swelling and pain. The abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex (end) of the root of the tooth. This is actually bone lost as a result of the dental infection. It is very important to treat this problem before the infection causes the bone to deteriorate so far that endodontic treatment may be unsuccessfull.

Procedure

The first step of the procedure is to anesthetize the area so that your treatment will be completely comfortable.

The next step is to create a small opening in the top or biting surface of the tooth. Dr. Stanley will then clean, shape, and disinfect each canal using Rotary Endodontics. This step prepares the tooth for the endodontic filling material.

Once each canal is properly prepared, it is filled with an inert material called gutta percha and the canals are then sealed. The endodontic procedure may require one to two visits.

Following completion of the endodontic treatment, a separate appointment is made to restore the tooth with a build-up and crown.

Why do I need a root canal?

There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth. When left untreated, infected teeth need to be extracted.

Signs/Symptoms

-Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.

-Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth

-Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth

-Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night

-A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood

-Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another