Endodontics is an area of dental practice focused on addressing issues that develop in the inner chamber of the teeth. This hollow chamber is filled with a soft tissue called dental pulp, made up of a mix of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues.
A living tissue, your pulp is subject to infection if bacteria enters the chamber. Advanced decay, traumatic injury, or even something as simple as a cracked tooth can lead to infected pulp. Because this inner portion of the tooth is such a confined space, the inflammation created from an infection has nowhere to go, which is why these infections can be so painful.
A root canal is a treatment for an infected tooth. Left alone, your body cannot effectively clear an inner tooth infection. Root canals work by removing all traces of infected pulp and protecting the tooth with a dental crown.
Some indications you might need a root canal include:
If you notice these changes, schedule a diagnostic exam right away. A root canal can eliminate pain and protect your tooth from further damage.
If you and Dr. Bubernak decide that a root canal is the right treatment option, you’ll receive an injection of anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the process. Dr. Bubernak creates a small opening in your tooth to gain access to the inner chamber.
He uses a series of slim dental tools called files to remove all infected pulp. The chamber is carefully rinsed to remove all traces of bacteria before being filled with a special material called gutta percha.
The access hole is closed with a small filling, and the tooth is prepared for a dental crown. Impressions are made before Dr. Bubernak places a temporary crown to protect the tooth. Once your permanent crown arrives, you’ll return to have it cemented into place, which completes the restoration.
Advancements in dental technology have made root canals a painless and straightforward process. If you suspect you have an infected tooth, call or click to book your exam, and begin a path toward relief.