Root Canals

You may need a root canal if you are having trouble eating or sleeping due to a toothache, or sensitivity to hot and/or cold. Some people may have swelling or tenderness in the gums or cracked teeth. These types of discomfort are a sign you need to see an endodontist and determine whether a root canal could relieve your suffering.

Dr. Charles Roy DDS offers root canals in Mandeville LA as part of our endodontic services (link to endodontics page). Calling our office today to schedule an appointment is the first step to relieving your pain!

Don’t Be Afraid of A Root Canal

While the very words “root canal” tend to strike fear in most people, in fact, a root canal is a fairly common endodontic procedure.

According to the American Dental Association, there were 15.1 million root canals performed in the United States between 2005 and 2006.

The number of root canals has been steadily increasing over the years; there were about 100,000 more root canals performed by endodontists in 2006 than in 1999.

What is a Root Canal?

Years ago, if a tooth was considered diseased or injured, it was simply pulled, however today, that same tooth may be saved through an endodontic treatment known as a root canal.

In some cases, a cavity may extend to the root of the tooth, infecting the pulp inside the tooth, requiring a root canal. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth, containing both nerves and blood vessels. The pulp can become inflamed or infected by a deep cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, or other serious injury to the tooth, any of which can result in bacteria entering the pulp of the tooth.

When the infected pulp is not removed, the tissues around the root of the tooth can also become infected, potentially damaging the bone which holds the tooth in the jaw.

Whenever possible, your endodontist will want to save an infected or damaged tooth, as any time a tooth is removed, it can cause the teeth around it to shift, causing further dental problems. A root canal can save the tooth, plus the root canal procedure is often less expensive than a replacement tooth.

The endodontist will clean out the inside of the infected tooth during a root canal procedure, then refill the tooth and seal it. More specifically, a root canal treatment involves the following steps:

• The tooth is numbed;
• A thin sheet of latex is placed over the tooth chamber to keep it dry;
• The endodontist makes an opening through the crown of the tooth into the pulp area;
• The pulp (nerve) is removed both from the pulp chamber and from the space inside the root;
• The root canal (the space inside the root) is cleaned and shaped so it can be filled;
• Medicine may be placed in the root canal and pulp chamber to get rid of any bacteria;
• The root canal is filled with a material which is similar to rubber and sealed;
• To prevent contamination of the root canal, a temporary filling is placed in the tooth;
• If infection has spread beyond the root ends, antibiotics may be prescribed, and
• When you return to your dentist, the temporary filling is removed and replaced with a crown or filling.

How Northshore Endodontics Addresses Your Safety and Comfort

We understand your hesitation when you are told you need a root canal, however it is important to understand that this type of endodontic procedure is painless.

At Northshore Endodontics, we practice what is known as “Sedation Dentistry,” which involves administering a medication to help you relax prior to the root canal procedure. Sedation dentistry eases the stress and anxiety you may feel when facing a root canal.

In the Mandeville and Covington areas, Northshore Endodontics provides the highest quality endodontic care. If you have a painful tooth and think you might need a root canal procedure call our office today.