Services

Root Canal

Each of our teeth contains a long, thin strand of dental pulp, which provides the tooth with nerves, blood vessels and nutrients. This chamber extends completely into the root of the tooth. The front teeth typically have one canal. Premolars have two canals. And the large molars in the back have three canals. However, variations of this may occur, depending on the unique anatomy of each individual.

If the pulp becomes infected or injured, the tooth’s nerve(s) die and, often, without root canal treatment, the tooth dies as well. Endodontic Therapy (a Root Canal) is designed to save such damaged teeth. During the procedure, performed under anesthesia, a small access hole is drilled into the top of the tooth. The diseased pulp chamber is entered, reshaped and cleaned with an antibacterial medicament. The diseased portion of the tooth is completely removed, along with all the nerves and blood vessels in the canal(s). The space is then filled with a plastic material and permanently sealed with a restoration such as filling or a crown.

Due to the heavy forces in the premolar and molar regions, crowns are almost always necessary. Once the blood supply is removed from a tooth, the tooth itself is more fragile. This is why, in a majority of instances, crowns are necessary to maintain the integrity of the tooth. Sometimes, all a front tooth requires is a filling, depending on the amount of natural tooth structure remaining.

Serving Apopka Altamonte Springs Longwood Maitland and Zellwoood