ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
At Ramos Dentistry we perform this dental procedure to save a tooth by removing dead or decaying nerve tissue and bacteria from inside a tooth.

 

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?
We dentists use the term "root canal" when referring to the small, narrow canals that branch from a space in the center of the tooth (called the pulp chamber) down to the ends of the tooth's roots. "Root canal treatment" is the procedure used to save the tooth if the soft tissue in the center (called the pulp) becomes acutely inflamed or infected.

 

DESCRIPTION
A dentist uses a needle to apply numbing medicine (anesthetic) around the affected tooth. You may feel a slight sting when the needle is inserted.

The dentist then uses a small drill to remove the top of the tooth and expose the pulp. Typically this is called access.

The pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp is inside the tooth, it goes to the jawbone, supplies blood to the tooth and allows one to perceive sensations such as temperature.

 

The infected pulp is removed with special tools called files. The canals (small channels inside the tooth) are cleaned and irrigated with a disinfectant solution. Medications can be applied within the area to ensure that all germs are eliminated and prevent further infection. Once the tooth is clean, the canals are filled with a permanent material.

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The clean area of ​​the tooth is sealed with a soft temporary material. Once the tooth is filled, a permanent crown can be placed on top.

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You may be given antibiotics to treat and prevent an infection.