Root Canal Therapy

A damaged tooth may still serve you for years.

When cavities are left untreated for a long time, the bacteria move deeper into the tooth causing damage to the inner tissue of the tooth, called pulp. This might cause severe pain, swelling of the surrounding gum tissue and the face, tooth discoloration, and risk of systemic infection. The same problem could be caused by tooth cracks and trauma.

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, is a well established procedure that treats the inside of the infected tooth, relieves pain, and saves your natural tooth. This procedure helps bring many teeth back to normal function and feel.

Most Commonly Asked Questions

What is root canal therapy?

In the tooth, there is a soft tissue called the pulp, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and connects to the tissues surrounding the root. Root canal treatment is when your dentist removes the damaged internal nerve tissue from your tooth, cleans and shapes the inside, and places a sealer to fill the space. This option allows you to save a natural tooth.

How do I know I need root canal therapy?

In most cases, your tooth provides warning signs when something is wrong, such as lingering pain from hot or cold sensitivity, soreness when chewing, sudden sharp pain, dark discoloration, sore gums around the tooth, or swelling in the gums or face. If you experience any of these symptoms, please inform us immediately. However, if you have a fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or facial swelling, it is crucial to seek care without delay.

Why do some dentists prefer extraction and placement of an implant instead of treating the infected pulp through root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy often offers a cost-effective alternative to removal and replacement with services such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. Many treated teeth need a crown, or cap, after treatment to prevent fracture and tooth loss, but some may not. In certain cases where there are large chronic abscesses with bone loss around the tip of the root, dentists might choose to extract the tooth and have an implant placed due to the poor prognosis to root canal treatment.The Kharsa Clinics team will make sure to explain all options of treatment prior to making a final decision. They want to make sure that every patient is well informed and agrees to the preferred treatment.

Is root canal therapy safe?

Professional organizations continuously monitor research projects to protect patients and set quality standards. The American Association of Endodontists reviews current and past research and supports the safety of this vital service. In fact, new techniques and materials used at Kharsa Clinics make root canal treatment more predictable than ever.

Is it successful in general and how long does it last?

Research shows that with proper diagnosis and treatment delivery the success rate of root canal therapy is about 90%. The patient needs to make sure that proper hygiene is followed and the placement of the crown is done when indicated, otherwise the tooth may crack. Under these circumstances, root canal therapy can last as long as a healthy, normal tooth.

What do you do if I grind my teeth in my sleep?

When you clench your teeth, you can feel the muscles on both sides of your face contract. These chewing muscles can generate up to 300 pounds per square inch on your teeth and stress the jaw joints, too. Powerful clenching and grinding forces can wear away enamel and crack teeth and might cause a lot of facial muscle and joint pain. At Kharsa Clinics, we uncover the underlying cause of your problem rather than simply treating the symptoms. For example, many people suffer from sleep apnea or bite problems that cause teeth grinding. After doing a thorough evaluation, our doctors can help coordinate a plan that improves quality of life and may improve overall health.