Michael A. Larsen, DDS, FAGDSky Sessions, DDS, MAGD|
Rexburg, ID|
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(208) 359-1500|
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Endodontic dentistry focuses on diagnosing and treating issues related to the tooth’s pulp (nerve) and tissues surrounding the root. The most common procedure in this field is a root canal, which involves removing infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection. Endodontics helps save teeth that might otherwise need extraction due to infection or decay, preserving oral function and health.
Believe it or not, teeth are alive. Inside each tooth are nerves and blood vessels that send blood and nutrients to the teeth from the rest of the body through the tooth’s root. The roots are essential in not only providing stability for each tooth but to help keep it healthy and functioning properly. Unfortunately, sometimes the nerves inside teeth get infected or damaged. Trauma to the teeth and deep cavities are the primary causes of tooth nerve damage. If the damage or infection is not treated, the whole tooth becomes diseased and may need to be extracted. The infection can also spread to the gums and nearby teeth increasing the risk of gum disease and possible loss of additional teeth.
The most common treatment for a damaged or diseased tooth nerve is a root canal. A root canal is a surgical dental procedure where the tooth’s nerve and tooth pulp that has become damaged or infected is removed. The infection of the root is taken away and the tooth is repaired using fillings and crowns. Root canal treatment allows patients to keep their teeth instead of losing them from infection.
Our patients can rest assured and be at ease during their root canal procedure. We offer oral conscious sedation and use the latest technology to maximize patient comfort, accurate diagnosis, and quick, efficient dental procedures. At Apple Tree Dental, if a patient is getting a root canal, they will be given an anesthetic to numb the parts of their mouth that the procedure will be done on. They will be given a local anesthetic injection for their root canal treatment. If the patient is extremely sensitive, they may also receive sedation or general anesthesia.
After making sure you are numb and comfortable, our endodontic dentist will begin to clean out the infected tooth pulp by drilling a hole into it called a “pulp chamber” using small files. The enamel around the tooth is removed before removing any diseased tissue from inside of it to help get rid of any toxins in there while doing minimal damage to healthy parts of the tooth structure itself. Once all disease has been cleared away using these methods, the endodontist will finish the procedure with a crown or filling.
After a root canal, the patient may feel mild pain while it heals. Usually over the counter medications such as ibuprofen help.
A root canal may be considered necessary when:
• There is acute, spontaneous, or chronic tooth pain
• There is lingering or extreme sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink
• When gums are tender and/or swollen
• When a tooth with history of trauma or injury darkens
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, give us a call and our dentist will examine your teeth and mouth. Tooth nerve damage or decay can quickly spread and cause additional complications, even if no symptoms of pain exist.
