Non Surgical Root Canal

What is a root canal?

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year.  This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp.  Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures.  Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.

How is it done?

If you experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Mead will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp.  Dr. Mead can perform most root canal treatments in his office.  The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required.  Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, Dr. Mead may talk to you about removing the tooth and subsequent tooth replacement options.  You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.  If you were given an antibiotic prescription, continue taking it until it is gone.  It is not uncommon to have tenderness in the treated tooth for a few weeks.

What happens after treatment?

Root canal therapy removes the blood supply from the treated tooth leaving the center of the tooth hollow.  As a result, the tooth can become brittle and prone to breaks.  Any tooth treated with root canal therapy should be fitted with a crown within four weeks to restore its strength.