Why You May Need Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic therapy may be indicated when a tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Other problems that may require endodontic surgery include:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Traumatized or weakened teeth from past procedures
- Faulty dental crowns
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Injury to a tooth that does not involve chips or cracks
Our innovative technology allows Dr. Crosby to detect pulp inflammation or infection that is not obvious upon inspection with the naked eye. If damage to the root canal is left untreated, more serious dental problems will likely occur. Putting off endodontic treatment is not recommended because the procedures to fix an untreated root canal problem will be much more extensive than simple endodontic treatment.
What to Expect During Root Canals
While all patients have unique problems with damaged teeth, we can provide a general description of what root canals will entail.
- X-rays of the tooth will be taken, and a local anesthetic will be injected into the treatment area. After the area is sufficiently numb,we place a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over it to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva while he works.
- Dr. Crosby makes an opening in the crown of the tooth, and then specialized instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals to prepare the space for a filling.
- After the treatment area is cleaned and shaped, we fill the root canal with a biocompatible material to ensure complete root canal sealing. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening, which will be removed when the permanent one is placed.
- Finally, you will have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore the previously damaged tooth to full function.
Needing a crown after a root canal procedure depends mainly on the tooth’s location in the mouth. Back teeth like molars and premolars are needed more for chewing, so they often require crowns. Incisors or canines, which aren’t needed for chewing, don’t always require crowns. We will explain which restoration is best for your particular situation.
Root Canals After Care
For the first few days after endodontic treatment, some patients experience sensitivity or a bit of swelling, while others experience an uneven bite. Some patients experience no change after their endodontic procedure. If any problems arise, you should contact Dr. Crosby’s office immediately. You will receive post-care instructions to know what to expect when you leave our office.
Learn More About Root Canals in Anchorage
Please don’t put off endodontic treatment one more day, as that will likely cause more damage to the tooth, requiring root canal treatment. We encourage you to call Dr. Richard Crosby at (907) 277-1098 to schedule an evaluation. You may also fill out our online contact form to ask questions or request an appointment.
