Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a procedure that extracts decayed pulp from the central part of the tooth, reshapes the canal and replaces it with strengthening filler.

A cavity is the result of superficial decay of the enamel of the tooth. If this is left, decay can burrow into the deeper reaches of the tooth, causing extensive damage to tooth structure.

When the damage goes beyond what can be treated with a filling, our dentists at The Lucan Dental Practice can perform a root canal (or endodontics), preserving the tooth and retaining its original integrity, saving a tooth that, in the past, would have had to have been pulled.

Procedure

After anesthesia, the patient undergoes a dental dam used to isolate the tooth. The tooth is opened to allow for removal of infected or dead dental pulp. The tooth is then thoroughly cleaned, including any cracks and canals. The dentist reshapes the canals and the tooth is filled with biocompatible filling material. A temporary covering is used to cover the access opening.