Root Canal

When a tooth is severely decayed, infected, or broken (but not through the root), a root canal may be needed to save the entire tooth from needing an extraction. Preventing the loss of a tooth is the highest priority in dental health.

If a tooth is severely decayed and left untreated, an infection can spread to the surrounding tissues. To stop the spread of infection or to fix a broken tooth, Dr. Keyes might suggest doing a root canal.

A root canal is a standard procedure that allows the tooth to be restored to normal function and also saves the root.

The root canal procedure consists of removing the nerve and pulp of the root through a tiny hole at the top of the root. An adult tooth has already grown and no longer needs the inside of the root to survive. After the nerve and pulp are gone, the inside of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly, sealed, and packed with a rubber compound called gutta-percha. The tiny hole formed to access the inside of the root is sealed with a filling. The remainder of the tooth is prepared to have a crown attached.

A temporary crown is used on the prepared tooth while waiting for the permanent crown to be made in the lab. After the permanent crown arrives, it is glued into place with a more durable cement than was used on the temporary crown.

Call Dr. Gordon Keyes at Family Dentistry in Oak Harbor, Washington, to make an appointment.