Root Canal Therapy

If you say the phrase, “root canal” many responses are less than positive. However, when we need to perform a root canal, the procedure is safe, comfortable, and relieves toothache and dental sensitivity immediately in most cases. Contact Vista Dental Care in Sparks right away if you experience any of the following warning signs of root canal:

• Severe toothache
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
• Discoloration of the tooth, especially a darkening near the gum line
• Infection or inflammation of the gums around the tooth that is in pain

When is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

A root canal is necessary to repair teeth when dental decay or damage reaches the innermost pulp layer of the tooth. The pulp contains the entire dental nerve system. When this nerve is accessed, the result is severe toothache and sensitivity. In order to relieve pain and fully restore the health of the tooth, we need to remove and replace the damaged pulp and nerve system. This process is generally referred to as a root canal.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

Root canals are completed over the course of at least two treatment visits. During your initial appointment, we’ll numb the area around the damaged tooth. Then, a small access hole is drilled from the top of the tooth to the pulp. We gently remove the damaged pulp and nerve system from the tooth, and then, the tooth is refilled will a biologically compatible substance. Finally, we reseal the access hole. In most cases, patients will also need to have a dental crown placed over the treated tooth, so we’ll capture bite impressions at this time that will be sent to a lab or used to create a same day dental restoration using our CEREC system. In some cases, we’ll need to use oral or topical antibiotics prior to completing treatment, which will extend root canal treatment.