Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save and repair a badly decayed or damaged tooth instead of extracting it.

Root canal therapy consists of several steps:

• The damaged or decayed part of the tooth structure is removed along with the infected pulp (consisting of nerves and blood vessels)
• The inside chamber of the tooth is then cleaned thoroughly with a disinfecting solution
• Finally, the tooth chamber (hollowed part of the tooth) is sealed with a special filling material

Listed below are some of the causes for a tooth nerve (pulp) to become inflamed:

• Deep cavities (tooth decay)
• Repeated dental procedures and incorrectly sized or fitted dental fillings
• Dental injuries and trauma

An infected and inflamed tooth nerve (pulp) can cause the following dental problems:

• Bone loss around the tooth root which can also damage other teeth
• Swelling that may spread to the other areas of the face and neck
• Drainage problems extending outward from the root

The most common signs of root canal problems include:

• Severe toothache upon chewing or biting down
• Prolonged sensitivity/pain to hot or cold temperatures
• Tooth discoloration (darkening)
• Swelling and tenderness of the nearby gums
• Persistent or recurring sores on the gums

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office to make an appointment with Dr. Gerald A. Clark, DDS as soon as possible to have your tooth examined.

When the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or damaged, Dr. Gerald A. Clark, DDS believes that root canal therapy is the treatment of choice, as it is the only treatment option that preserves your original natural tooth. In most cases, root canal therapy is a very predictable procedure with a 95% success rate. The only alternative to root canal therapy is having the tooth extracted and replaced with an implant, bridge, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.

Root canal preventive measures:

• Following proper oral hygiene practices, including excellent dental home care (brushing and flossing) and professional dental cleanings to prevent tooth decay
• Regular dental check-ups that allow hidden tooth decay to be noticed in its early stages and prevented from destroying more of the healthy tooth structure
• Preventing or reducing the severity of sport-related injuries and trauma by wearing a custom-made professional sport-guard