Root Canals Specialist

What are root canals?

A root canal is an endodontic procedure to treat an infected or damaged tooth. Specifically, it involves your Central Avenue Dental provider removing the pulp from inside a tooth. 

Pulp is a substance inside each of your teeth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It provides nourishment to your teeth and allows for temperature sensations but isn’t necessary for a tooth’s long-term survival. Removing the infected or inflamed pulp can restore your tooth to health while reducing the risk of future complications.

Why would I need a root canal?

Central Avenue Dental uses root canal therapy to treat damaged or infected tooth pulp caused by:

• Deep decay
• Extensive dental work
• Chips or fractures
• Oral trauma

If you experience tooth pain, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, don’t wait to seek professional help. Central Avenue Dental offers same-day emergency dental appointments whenever possible.

What do root canals involve?

At Central Avenue Dental, root canals take two appointments:

First root canal appointment

Before performing a root canal, your Central Avenue Dental provider conducts an oral exam and takes X-rays to determine the extent of the damage or decay. If they determine you qualify for root canal therapy, your provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and carefully removes the pulp from the center of your tooth.

Next, your provider rinses your root canal out and fills it with gutta-percha. When the gutta-percha dries, your provider takes impressions of your tooth. Then, they bond a temporary crown to your tooth and send your impressions to a dental laboratory that designs and manufactures a custom crown.

Second root canal appointment

When the lab finishes your custom crown, you return to Central Avenue Dental. Your provider removes the temporary crown and replaces it with the permanent one. Then, they polish your teeth and provide care instructions.

What is recovery like after a root canal?

Following a root canal, many people experience increased tooth sensitivity and swelling. To minimize any discomfort, Central Avenue Dental recommends:

• Eating soft foods for the first 24-48 hours
• Using a desensitizing toothpaste
• Biting and chewing more gently than usual
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication

If your symptoms persist for longer than a week, contact Central Avenue Dental right away.

To learn more about the benefits of root canals, make an appointment at Central Avenue Dental by calling the nearest office or scheduling online today.