Root Canal

If your teeth become diseases or injured, they can be saved through a specialized dental procedure known as Root Canal or Endodontic treatment. Schedule a visit for an evaluation in Longmont CO at Herring Family Dentistry 303-772-7622.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment usually involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp, a small thread-like tissue that was important for tooth development. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue of a tooth. It lies in a canal that runs through the center of the dentin – the hard tissue on the inside of the tooth that supports the outer layer of tooth enamel. The crown (the portion of the tooth visible above the gums) contains the pulp chamber. The pulp extends from this chamber down through the root canal to the tip of the root that lies in the bone of the jaws. Teeth have only one pulp chamber but may have more than one root and several root canals.

Why might the dental pulp need to be removed?

If the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, it loses its vitality. The most common causes of pulp death are a deep cavity, a crack, or traumatic injury to the tooth, all of which can allow bacteria and their products to leak into the pulp. If the injured or diseased pulp is not removed, the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth can become infected and an abscess can form, resulting in pain and swelling. Even if there is no pain, certain substances released by bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth in the jaw. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.

What does treatment involve?

Treatment involves one or more visits to Herring Family Dentistry. There are several steps in the process of endodontic treatment that Dr. Herring, Root Canal Dentist Longmont, will perform.