Endodontic -Root Canal

Root canal therapy in Amesbury, MA

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed, and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.


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Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums

    A visible abscess on your gums can be a sign of an infection that requires root canal treatment.

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold

    Lingering pain after consuming hot or cold food and beverages can indicate nerve damage.

  • Severe toothache pain

    Intense, persistent pain can be a sign of infection or damage to the tooth pulp.

  • Sometimes no symptoms are present

    In some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms, and problems are only detected during routine dental exams.

  • Swelling and/or tenderness

    Swelling and tenderness in the gums or face near the affected tooth can indicate an infection.

Reasons for root canal therapy

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp

    When decay penetrates through the enamel and dentin into the living tissue inside the tooth, a root canal is needed to remove the infected pulp.

  • Infection or abscess have developed

    Infections or abscesses that develop inside the tooth or at the root tip require treatment to eliminate the bacteria and prevent the spread of infection.

  • Injury or trauma to the tooth

    Physical trauma to a tooth can damage the nerve, necessitating a root canal even if there's no visible crack or chip.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

1

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

2

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

3

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and restore it to its full function.


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After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

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Communication and long-term relationships are important to us. Let us know what is on your mind and ask questions. We will help you realize an investment in yourself pays dividends for a lifetime.

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AMESBURY DENTAL ASSOCIATES

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    282 Elm Street Amesbury, MA 01913 USA

    Phone: (978) 388-3505

    [email protected]