Root Canal Therapy

A "root canal," or endodontic therapy, is a procedure available to save a tooth that is infected and would otherwise require extraction. There are many reasons that teeth can become infected, including: cavities, previous large fillings, crowns, cracks, trauma, and extreme wear.

Root canals may be needed when decay and damaged pulp.

Root canals may be needed when decay and damaged pulp.

When you might need a root canal

•	Decay has reached the tooth's pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
•	Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
•	Injury or trauma to the tooth
•	Extreme wear due to bruxism (grinding)

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (nerve and blood supply), bacteria and any decay are removed, and the resulting space is filled with an inert material called gutta percha. After the tooth is healed, getting a crown is recommended, because the tooth will become brittle.

What does root canal therapy involve?

Root canals involve a temporary filling to keep the tooth safe.

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by Dr. Alexandra. While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and isolated from the other teeth. A hole will be created at the top of the tooth, then the infected pulp will be cleaned out from the inside the tooth. Medicine will be applied to remove any bacteria, and a temporary filling will be placed. When the tooth has had time to heal from the root canal treatment, you will need to return to our office to check the healing of the tooth. If the tooth has healed, then it will be ready to have a permanent crown placed to prevent any further decay or fracturing of the treated area.

At times, the tooth requiring treatment has a complex root or the infection is such that it needs a specialist, called an endodontist, to examine and complete root canal therapy. Dr. Alexandra will work closely with our endodontic specialist to review your treatment case, send necessary records to their office, and place the crown after your root canal is completed.

After a root canal is completed, you may need a new crown on the tooth.

After a root canal is completed, you may need a new crown on the tooth.

Taking care of the tooth after root canal treatment

While root canal therapy has a high degree of success, it is not 100% guaranteed. It is very important to have a permanent restoration (usually a crown) placed within 30 days of the root canal. If a permanent restoration is not placed, the tooth can fracture or further decay to the point where the root canal must be re-done or, worse, the tooth must be removed.

Dr. Gonzo
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Dr. Alexandra
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(920) 739-6808

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2612 E. Calumet Street
Appleton, WI 54915-4104

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