Root Canals at Arizona Center for Laser Dentistry

Generally caused by tooth decay or shock, pulp or nerve tissue damage can be an excruciating experience, with symptoms including pain while chewing, sensitivity and swelling. If left untreated, pulp damage can lead to abscesses, or pus-filled infections, and eventually to tooth loss.

Endodontics, or root canal therapy, is the branch of dentistry that deals with treating dental pulp damage and is the best way to directly address the pain and save the tooth. During a root canal procedure, infected nerve tissue is cleaned out and replaced with filler to prevent further infection. With proper anesthesia, root canal therapy can be a pain free process.

At Arizona Center for Laser Dentistry, we employ the latest in Laser technology by using minimally invasive treatment and decontaminate the infected tooth. This greatly decreases the possibility of future re-infection or failure of root canals as often seen. If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity or swelling, it is important to act fast, not only to relieve your pain, but also to save the tooth from complete decay.

A root canal is only half of the final treatment of the tooth and is only as strong as the final seal around it. This seal can be in the form of a filing or a crown. Many times when root canals are preformed the dentist has had to drilled through an existing large filling or a large part of the natural tooth has broken off or is missing due to decay. Once the root canal is completed, the dentist will recommend the kind of sturdy restoration that should be placed on the tooth. In the case of a back molar tooth, it is highly advised to place a crown. This will provide an internal seal and maintain normal chewing functions.

If a root canal has been well restored, either by a filling or a crown, then it should be as strong as your other teeth.  Just like other teeth, a tooth that has had a root canal is subject to decay and the environment within your mouth.  It is important to follow up on your regular dental checkups to see if the root canal and the seal placed over the root canal is maintaining a proper seal.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Arizona Center for Laser Dentistry at (480) 699-4340.