Root Canal Therapy

Saving An Infected or Damaged Tooth

A root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth when it becomes infected by decay, or damaged by trauma.

Consult Dr. Dat Phung at Lakeview Dentistry to prevent your tooth from leading to further complications from a spreading infection and to provide relief from discomfort.

Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Stop Infection Spreading

Halt Throbbing Pain

Impact and Benefits

If your tooth’s nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, or damaged by trauma, a root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth. Inside the hard outer shell of each tooth is a specialized area called the pulp or nerve chamber that contains a system of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves. This system provides nourishment for the cells within the tooth and enters from the bone through the root canals.

Some indications for root canal therapy may be:

  • Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
  • Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone

Procedure

Deep tooth decay or trauma can cause damage or infection of the tooth pulp. In a root canal or endodontic procedure, the dentist removes the damaged or infected tissues and replaces it with a filler material that helps maintain the remaining tooth structure.

After a tooth has had root canal therapy, it becomes dry and brittle due to the lack of nourishment, making the tooth prone to fracture. A crown is usually recommended to restore the tooth properly.

A root canal treatment is performed in the following way:

Step 1

After the tooth is anaesthetized; an opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber.

Step 2

The length of the root canals is determined.

Step 3

Unhealthy pulp is removed. Canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.

Step 4

Canals are filled and sealed. A metal post may be added for structural support or to retain restorative materials.

Step 5

The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. Usually a gold or porcelain crown adds further protection.

Consult us at Lakeview Dentistry today and find out how we can save your tooth!