Only general dentists who have studied endodontics (root canal treatment), such as Dr. Elenbaas and Dr. Alexander, are qualified to treat you if your canal of your tooth has suffered infection.
What will happen during my root canal treatment procedure?
Your dentist will open your tooth to gain access to your root canal area (the area inside your tooth). Then your root canal filling will be removed, and your root canal area will be cleaned and examined. Finally, the area left after your pulp in your root canal is removed is filled with medications, temporary filling materials, and a final root canal filling. Then your tooth will be covered with a crown (see Porcelain Crowns or Crowns & Bridges).
Is this the best treatment option for me?
Only your qualified general dentist, such as our dentist, can determine with you if this is the best treatment option, but it is always best, if possible, to save your original natural tooth. If one of our doctors recommends an endodontic treatment for you, then it is probably the best treatment option for you under the circumstances.
What alternatives are there to root canal treatment?
There really aren't any alternative treatments. If your root canal is infected, you will ultimately lose your tooth unless the underlying infection is stopped and cleaned out. Besides a root canal treatment, the only other option is tooth extraction, which is a more radical option than endodontic therapy. If your tooth does need to be extracted, then you will need to have crowns & bridges put in (see Crowns & Bridges) or you will need dental implants to replace your missing tooth or teeth (see Implant Dentistry).
How long will my root canal therapy last?
Your teeth that have undergone root canal (endodontic) treatment can last as long as your other natural teeth, with proper care.
If you have any endodontics (root canal treatment) or general dentistry questions, please contact us today.