Endodontic Therapy (Root Canals)

Root Canals: A Specialty of Peoria Dental Care

Endodontic therapy, commonly known as a root canal, is a dental procedure performed to treat and save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged due to deep decay, injury, or trauma. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the inside of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the pulp chamber and root canals, and then sealing and filling the tooth to prevent further infection.

Here’s an overview of the endodontic therapy (root canal) process:

Diagnosis: A dentist or endodontist (a dentist specializing in root canal procedures) typically examines the tooth and takes X-rays to determine the extent of the infection or damage. At Peoria Dental Care, we utilize specialized 3D X-ray technology, known as Galileos® 3D Cone Beam, to diagnose and treat teeth in need of root canal therapy treatment. Common symptoms that might indicate the need for a root canal include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth, and pain upon biting or chewing.
Anesthesia: Before starting the procedure, the tooth and the surrounding area are numbed using local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the treatment.
Access Opening: The dentist creates a small opening in the crown (top) of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
Pulp Removal: The infected or damaged pulp tissue, which includes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and the root canals using specialized instruments.
Cleaning and Disinfection: The pulp chamber and root canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria and debris.
Filling: After cleaning and disinfection, the empty pulp chamber and root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the space, preventing bacteria from re-entering and causing further infection.
Sealing and Restoration: The access opening in the crown of the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. In many cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will require a dental crown to provide additional protection and restore its strength and functionality.
Follow-Up: A follow-up visit may be scheduled to ensure the tooth has healed properly and to place a permanent restoration like a dental crown if it hasn’t been done already.

Endodontic therapy is performed to alleviate pain, save a tooth from extraction, and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues. Contrary to popular misconceptions, modern root canal procedures are relatively painless and are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling. The primary goal of the procedure is to relieve pain and preserve the natural tooth.