Root Canals

Root Canal Therapy in Lancaster, PA

Through the years, root canal therapy has become a more comfortable and predictable procedure to save a tooth with an infected nerve.

At our Lancaster dental office, we use a very modern cleaning and sealing system to accomplish our treatments. After obtaining profound local anesthesia, the damaged nerve is gently removed through a small opening in the tooth. The nerve canal is flushed out and with a series of medicaments. After this, the canal is dried thoroughly and sealed with a strong sealer that binds to the walls of the canal and prevents bacteria from entering the root. To protect and strengthen the root canaled tooth, a filling and most times, a crown, are placed in the entrance and onto the tooth.

The majority of our root canal therapies are being accomplished using the GT Series x nickel titanium files that are very flexible and safe.

Root Canals: More Information

According to WebMd, root canals are a necessary treatment used “to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed, or becomes infected.” Over the years, the science of performing a root canal has advanced tremendously.

The root canal describes the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The tooth’s pulp chamber is found in the soft area within the root canal. Anyone who has experienced this type pain would agree a remedy is needed and usually needed quickly.

The tooth’s nerve only provides a sensory benefit once the tooth emerges through the gum. The nerve is not an essential part of a tooth’s function. This means that if the nerve is removed from the tooth, the function of the root is not impaired.

A root canal usually requires more than one visit. With today’s procedures and medications, root canals are not as painful or uncomfortable as they used to be. Dr. Poole has extensive experience in performing root canals with a focus on efficiency and pain prevention, and can determine the best treatment approach based on your specific needs and budget.

Why should the tooth pulp be removed?

When the pulp or the tooth’s nerve tissue is damaged, its breakdown allows bacteria to build and magnify in the pulp chamber.  This can result in the following conditions:

  • The bacteria can cause dangerous infections.
  • The decay can cause infection and/or an abscessed tooth.
  • The abscess often becomes painful and is a puss-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth.
  • The infection extends beyond the tooth’s roots.
  • Swelling often occurs and can spread to other areas of the face.
  • Bone loss may occur around the tip of the root.
  • Drainage problems can develop.

The existence or the possibility of these conditions, which will occur unless the pulp is removed, cause the need for a root canal.

 

Signals that a root canal may be required:

  • Severe toothache pain.
  • Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold.
  • Discoloration of the infected tooth.
  • Swelling in the gums near the infected tooth.
  • A persistent pimple on the nearby gums.

On some occasions, there are no symptoms until the dentist uncovers the potential before the actual pain begins.

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Call (717) 656-2586 or click to schedule your visit with our office.