Root canal treatment (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (also called the pulp) of the tooth. The following are the most common factors contributing to a need for root canal treatment:

• Trauma, such as a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
• Physical irritation caused by deep decay or a very large filling.
• Severe gum disease.

What Happens During Treatment?

If Dr.Buchanan determines through digital x-rays and an examination that a root canal is needed, we will schedule a series of appointments for you. It is important that you keep these appointments to prevent delays in treatment and healing, which can affect the outcome. On the 1st appointment Dr.Buchanan will numb the affected area with anesthetic. An opening is made through the crown (the top) of the tooth into the pulp. Then he will carefully remove the diseased pulp. The root canal area inside your tooth is cleaned, enlarged and shaped. In most cased we place a temporary medication in the tooth to control bacterial growth and infection. A temporary filling is placed in the opening of the tooth until the next visit. At the next visit we sterlize the inside of the tooth to remove the bacteria. Throughout the root canal procedure, we take x-rays to ensure that all of the infected pulp is removed and that the walls inside the canal are smooth. To complete the process, the root canal and pulp chamber are permanenetly filled and sealed. Finally, the tooth is fully restored to chewing function.