Root Canal Treatment and Oral Surgery in Rockville. Protect yourself from tooth loss.

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Root Canal Treatment

At times the nerve and pulp inside the root canal of a tooth may become decayed or infected. Typical treatment of this infection is a root canal procedure. Root canal procedures are performed at our Rockville dental office in a comfortable environment.

Previously, the term “root canal” was associated with a painful procedure in which a patient potentially required a large amount of anesthetic. Technological advances have enhanced the root canal procedure so that it can now be conducted with less patient discomfort and local anesthetic

The structure of the tooth is such that the inner root canal tissue is soft and contains nerves and the blood supply while the hard dentin and enamel provide a strong protective surrounding the pulp and root canal. Serious tooth decay can impair the ability of the enamel and dentin to protect the pulp and root and thus expose it to bacteria present in the mouth. The bacteria can cause inflammation of the tissue and infection. Infection can be quite painful and cause swelling of the infected area. A root canal procedure will remove the infected pulp from the root canal and allow the area around the end of the nerve to heal.

The dentist will begin a root canal procedure by numbing the area surrounding the tooth. A hole will then be drilled to provide access to the infected area. All of the infected tissue will be removed during the root canal procedure. Once the canal is cleared the dentist will fill the canals with a filling material.

A tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure has an increased chance of becoming very dry and brittle as it lacks the blood supply previously supplied by the root. Dry and brittle teeth are more likely to crack and break. As a precaution against this cracking and breakage, it is generally recommended that the patient also have a dental crown placed over the damaged tooth. The crown will enhance the appearance of the tooth as well as provide the structural function in protecting the tooth. 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.

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