| ROOT CANALS |
| DR. STEVEN T. CURRY DENTAL OFFICE |
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| Root Canals A root canal is a special procedure to save a tooth that has suffered damage to the nerve. Usually decay, trauma, or infection are the culprits. But sometimes damage occurs from grinding our teeth in our sleep, or from stress-related jaw clenching. Unlike wounds to the rest of our body, teeth can't heal without help. Once the nerve inside a tooth is unhealthy and discomfort starts, things deteriorate and symptoms get markedly worse as time passes. After symptoms start, the only way to keep a tooth is with a root canal. The good news: if a tooth is basically sound there's no need to extract it. |
| As a convenience to our patients, root canals are usually completed in one appointment. We also restore the tooth at the same time, which eliminates multiple dental office visits. Our patients appreciate this valuable time-saving approach. |
About Antibiotics
Antibiotics alone will not cure a dental infection. To remove
the infection at its source, a tooth must either have a root
canal or it must be extracted. In fact, repeatedly attempting
to treat dental infection with antibiotics alone can result in
worse, more active and resistant types of infection.
Antibiotics alone will not cure a dental infection. To remove
the infection at its source, a tooth must either have a root
canal or it must be extracted. In fact, repeatedly attempting
to treat dental infection with antibiotics alone can result in
worse, more active and resistant types of infection.
What Happens After A Root Canal? During the root canal appointment, a flexible post is bonded in place inside the canal to further strengthen the tooth. Then, a tooth colored filling is bonded to that post. Often, this filling may serve to protect and retain a tooth until a crown can be placed. Crowns are used after root canals. They further strengthen damaged teeth and help prevent them from being lost because of breakage/splitting. |
During a root canal the unhealthy nerve is "put to sleep" and
removed, along with pockets of infection. Everything is then
carefully cleansed with germ-killing solutions; and tunnels,
called canals, are sealed with antibacterial medications and a
special filling material called gutta percha.
removed, along with pockets of infection. Everything is then
carefully cleansed with germ-killing solutions; and tunnels,
called canals, are sealed with antibacterial medications and a
special filling material called gutta percha.