What is a root canal?
A root canal is an outpatient procedure that treats infected or inflamed tooth pulp. Pulp is the soft material inside of a tooth. It’s made of blood vessels and connective tissue that allow you to feel sensations like hot and cold. By removing the pulp from inside a tooth, it’s possible to preserve the exterior (enamel) and prevent further complications.
Why would I need a root canal?
At The Bonner Dental Network PC, Dr. Bonner uses root canal therapy to treat damaged or infected pulp caused by:
- Decay from an untreated cavity
- Multiple dental procedures
- Oral trauma like getting hit in the mouth or experiencing a sports-related injury
- Chips, cracks, or fractures
Pulp damage presents various symptoms, including swelling, increased sensitivity, and a sensation of warmth in the gums. If you experience these or other issues, contact Dr. Bonner right away.
What does root canal treatment involve?
At The Bonner Dental Network PC, root canal treatment takes a single appointment. At the beginning of treatment, Dr. Bonner conducts an oral exam and asks about your symptoms. Then, he takes oral X-rays to assess your tooth and to develop a treatment plan.
After developing a treatment plan, Dr. Bonner administers a local anesthetic. He uses motorized equipment to remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the center of your tooth and rinses it with an antiseptic solution.
Next, Dr. Bonner fills your tooth with a material called gutta-percha. When the gutta-percha dries, he takes digital impressions of your tooth with an intraoral scanner. Dr. Bonner uploads your scans to a computer program and designs a custom crown. After finalizing your design, he uploads it to the CEREC milling machine.
The machine creates a custom crown from a block of porcelain. When it’s finished, Dr. Bonner bonds the crown to the top of your treated tooth, restoring your smile to a healthy, vibrant condition.
What is recovery like following a root canal?
Following a root canal, it’s normal to experience some mild swelling and increased sensitivity. Apply a bag of ice to your cheek or take over-the-counter medication to relieve the pain. Follow Dr. Bonner’s recovery instructions carefully. Your new crown may take a little bit of getting used to. Continue to brush and floss normally and avoid bad habits like nail-biting or chewing on ice.
To see if you’re a candidate for root canal therapy with motorized equipment, make an appointment at The Bonner Dental Network PC by calling the office to speak with a friendly staff member or clicking the online booking tool.
