Root Canal Treatment

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that is intended to relieve symptoms and extend the functional life of a tooth.

Inside of your tooth, beneath the external enamel and an internal hard layer called dentin, is a collection of soft tissues often referred to as “pulp tissue.” The dental “pulp” is a combination of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues that initially develops the surrounding hard tooth structure. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to receive nourishment from the surrounding periodontal tissues.

Root canal therapy is very similar to a routine filling in which local anesthesia is used and treatment may be completed in one or two appointments depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance for long term success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when such observation becomes evident during or after treatment.

What happens after treatment?

You may choose to follow Dr. Angell’s guidelines as described in written post-operative instructions. When your root canal therapy has been completed, a “final report” regarding your treatment, including digital radiographs (“x-rays”), will be sent to your general dentist or referral source. If a “temporary” restoration has been placed by Dr. Angell, you should contact your general dentist’s office for replacement of the “temporary” restoration with bonded permanent restorative materials within a few weeks (not more than 4 or 5 weeks) following completion of endodontic treatment in our office. Your general dentist will make the decision regarding what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is not common for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment.