Few things elicit as many groans in our dental practice as the words “root canal.” But truly, root canal therapy has an unfair reputation as it is not much more involved than getting treatment for a cavity. Equipped with modern technology and years of experience, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Martin at Martin Taylor Dentistry can help patients in the Tucson, AZ area save their natural tooth with root canal therapy—getting them out of pain and back to their normal routine as quickly as possible.
What is root canal treatment, exactly?
Also called “endodontic therapy,” root canal therapy is a procedure that is done to remove the pulp tissue, nerves, and infectious material from the inside of your tooth. This may be necessary due to issues such as:
- Traumatic injury to the tooth – sometimes issues can crop up from injuries that occurred many years in the past, such as old sports injuries
- Tooth decay that has moved to the inner portion of the tooth
- Infection within the tooth
What to expect
Typically, the need for a root canal is identified through x-rays of your tooth. During a root canal, the dentist first creates a small hole in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Then, the infected pulp and nerves are removed from the root canal and it is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. A material called gutta percha is placed into the now-empty canal, and then the opening is sealed with a filling and a crown is placed on top of the tooth for long-term support and stability.
Root canals are a highly effective treatment, and thanks to advances in technologies and techniques, they are about 95 percent successful in saving your tooth and keeping it healthy long-term.
Call us today
If you are suffering from tooth pain or you have been told you need a root canal but have been putting it off, we encourage you to give Martin Taylor Dentistry a call. With our relaxing office environment and steps to keep you comfortable during your procedure, you can receive the treatment you need and find immense pain relief afterwards. Call our Tucson, AZ office today at (520) 600-6925!
