Root Canal Therapy and Oral Surgery in North Bethesda

Root canal procedures may be used to treat a tooth when the nerve and pulp within a root canal have become decayed or infected. We saved thousands of teeth in our dental center in North Bethesda. Decades ago, root canal treatments often were painful. With dental advances and local anesthetics, most people have little if any pain with a root canal.

The pulp, or soft inner tissue of your tooth, is normally surrounded and protected by a layer of dentin. When a deep cavity, decay or crack destroys these protective layers, the pulp is exposed to the bacteria in your mouth. This can result in inflammation, infection and, eventually, pulp death. Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp and irritants. This allows the bone surrounding the root end to repair and heal. For a root canal procedure, the dentist starts by numbing your tooth. The dentist will then prepare the tooth by drilling an opening. After the dentist removes all of the decayed area and bacteria, he will clean out the roots of the tooth. At the final stage of a root canal treatment, the dentist will usually fill the canals with a rubber filling material. After the canals are filled, a regular filling will be placed in the tooth. After a tooth has had a root canal, it can become dry and brittle and easy to break. A dental crown is usually recommended to restore the tooth properly. Both the appearance and function of the tooth are retained with this procedure. Folloing procedure of root recession(apicoectomy) might be needed after root canal surgery.

Stages of Root Canal Theraphy

Healthy Tooth

This is how a healthy tooth would appear in your mouth

Root Canal Candidate

This tooth has massive tooth decay on the surface down into the pulp of the tooth. The pulp has become infected and the nerves in your tooth and possibly in your jaw will ache with pain. It is possible to have an infected tooth yet feel no pain. Due to the opening in the tooth the infection has a way of draining and may not hurt. Symptoms at this stage are: Bad Breath, Hot and/or Cold Sensation, Sweet Sensation or pain when using the tooth.

Cleaning Out The Tooth

At your visit your dentist will remove the Tooth Decay along with the roots within the tooth. Anesthesia will be used during this part of the procedure to make sure you are comfortable.

Filling and Seal

Then a filling is placed where the roots once were in your tooth. A seal is placed on top of the filling material.

Replace Top area of Tooth

Then the top area of the tooth is replaced with a Crown. The Root Canal and Crown can last a lifetime if properly cared for.

If you have further questions on whether you might need a Root Canal, please contact our office for an appointment.

To learn more about modern dental services and smile makeover performed by our Dentist in North Bethesda click here.

Your Dentist 7508 Wisconsin ave. Bethesda MD 20814 tel: 301-760-4550