Root Canal Therapy

Home » Root Canal Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions about Root Canal Therapy, how we save teeth and avoid extractions

Root Canal Therapy
Video Transcript
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.

Your comfort is our priority at Soft Touch Endodontics. Our skilled team, led by endodontist Dr. Darlene Davis, gets great satisfaction from relieving toothaches and restoring badly damaged teeth back to health. As a specialist in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the innermost tooth structure, Dr. Davis is in the best possible position to avoid extraction with nonsurgical root canal therapy and a range of other endodontic techniques not available at general dentist offices in Suwanee, greater northern Georgia, and beyond. 

Here, she provides an introduction to root canal therapy by answering some of your “Frequently Asked Questions” about this “deep clean” for the inside of your tooth.

What is the “root canal”? 

The visible part of each tooth (the “crown”) only accounts for around one-third of the tooth’s structure. Much of this structure is hidden and extends into the jawbone. The roots themselves hold your teeth in place. The root canals are passageways that connect to the pulp cavity at the center of your tooth. This innermost tooth structure contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. You experience pain sensation due to the nerves. Additionally, as a tooth is maturing, the pulp tissues provide nourishment.

What, then, is root canal therapy (RCT)? 

We may need to access and treat the root canals if the pulp is injured due to severe dental decay, certain types of fractures or cracks, and other forms of trauma. The tooth is carefully accessed through an opening in the crown. After it is opened, any irreparably damaged tissue is removed. Then, the canals are reshaped. The sterilized canals are sealed off with a special filling material. After any remaining infection has cleared, the finishing touch is a dental restoration (such as a crown) to prevent reinfection and further damage. Restorative care also promotes the long-term success of RCT and the lasting health and strength of the treated tooth.

Why is it called a “deep cleaning”? 

Too often, patients mistakenly think that RCT is time-consuming, involved, and painful. This could not be further from the truth! Think of root canal therapy as the equivalent of a cleaning; only we are not cleaning the outside of the tooth. In this case, we are giving the inside of the tooth a fresh start. In fact, it may be the only way to preserve a deeply decayed or infected tooth. This process is well-tolerated, straightforward, and efficient and has a high success rate exceeding 90%. 

Great! What next? 

Call Soft Touch Endodontics with questions or to schedule an appointment. Our team in Suwanee, GA, can be reached at 770-831-7644. There are myriad ways that teeth can become damaged and painful. The damage manifests in a variety of different ways. Our specialty practice can get to the heart of your troubling symptoms promptly, precisely, and gently. After all, we are experts in treating the innermost parts of your teeth!