When a tooth becomes badly decayed or infected, a root canal is performed to save the tooth. During the procedure, we remove the nerve and pulp and clean and seal the inside of the tooth. If the tooth goes without treatment, the surrounding tissue will get infected and abscesses will form.

We’ll start the procedure with an x-ray to see the size and shape of the root canals and determine if there is any infection in the surrounding bone. After anesthesia, we’ll place a rubber dam around your tooth to keep it dry during the procedure. We will drill an access hole and begin removing the pulp and decayed nerve tissue. When the tooth is clean, we seal it and fill it with a sealer paste and a rubber compound and a filling in the access hole.

At Corner Dental, our doctors have special training and experience and can perform your root canal in about an hour—even over your lunch hour!

Depending on the severity of your case, you may require a crown to protect the tooth, prevent it from breaking and restore it to full function. Whether you get a crown or other restoration following the root canal, you should brush and floss regularly. You should also see us every six months for a cleaning and exam.

If you have any questions or concerns about the root canal procedure, give us a call and we’ll be glad to talk you through it.