Root Canal

What is a Root Canal?

At the core of the tooth is soft tissue (otherwise known as pulp). The hollow area that houses this soft tissue contains a space towards the top of the tooth called the pulp chamber. This pulp chamber is connected to the root of the tooth via pipe-like canals, giving rise to the term "root canal". The blood vessels in these canals provide nutrition to the tooth. Occasionally, the internal soft tissue of the tooth becomes infected and can result in a serious infection if left untreated. Root canal treatment should take place before the infection gets too serious.

Technically "root canal" is not the name of the procedure but refers instead simply to the thin tubes that connect the pulp chamber and the tip of the tooth’s root. In fact, the procedure that laymen refer to as a "root canal" is actually known as a pulpectomy to dentists. A pulpectomy is an endodontic treatment to cure an infected root canal. In the old days, damage to the core of a tooth usually meant it had to be removed. Today, however, a "root canal" procedure (or pulpectomy) disinfects and refills the inside of the tooth, thus preventing pain and limiting damage to the tooth.

The Root Canal Treatment Procedure

The tooth is first anesthetized then a hole is made down into the pulp. Dr. Steiner uses tiny instruments to remove the remaining pulp from the tooth, thoroughly disinfecting the tooth canal in the process. Once disinfected, the interior of the tooth is filled with an inert material that helps prevent further infection.

Root Canals Have Changed

The root canal procedure is not what it used to be. It’s become altogether simpler and more painless. Nowadays, we have stronger anesthetic materials. We have unbelievably powerful microscopes. We use stronger irrigation materials to clean out the canals. We have nickel titanium rotary files to clean out the tooth. We have digital x-rays. We have an Apex locator which means we need to take less x-rays during the procedure.

So, the whole sequence is faster and more efficient.

Contact us today to set up an appointment for a root canal treatment with Dr. Steiner.