Endodontics Treatment at Hillside Dental, Las Vegas
Endodontics is the treatment of the root canal. Root canal therapy is a procedure that, over the years, has developed an unpleasant association with pain. It is important to understand that this treatment eliminates pain, and does not cause it. Undergoing a root canal treatment is not painful. In fact, because local anesthetic is applied before treatment, there is very little sensation in a root canal that is different from receiving a dental filling.
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the inner chamber of a tooth becomes infected. The precursor to this infection is typically a cavity or fracture that has gone untreated. We encourage our patients to maintain six-month dental check-ups, allowing us to monitor the development of any potential dental problems. In many cases, problems can be handled early, with conservative treatment.
When a cavity is left to progress, bacteria move into the pulp chamber of the tooth. This tissue contains the nerve, so its infection typically results in an intense toothache. Contacting your dentist at the earliest sign of tooth pain is important to avoid the progression of infection and more severe discomfort.
Root canal therapy involves numbing the tooth to be treated, assuring your comfort. A rubber dam, or sheet, is placed around the tooth to separate it from saliva and other teeth. All damaged tooth structure is removed gently, and an opening is created in the pulp chamber. Dr. Lim uses special tools and gentle techniques to pull all pulp matter from the root canal. This area is then thoroughly cleaned and sealed.
A tooth that requires a root canal is typically weakened due to damage and infection. For this reason, a permanent crown is placed over a tooth treated with such therapy. Immediately following treatment, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed. This crown should remain in place for a few weeks, but no longer. In about ten days, the permanent crown will be ready for placement, and will be secured onto the tooth after a fit assessment.
Post/Crown
In instances of extensive damage, there is sometimes not sufficient tooth structure remaining to hold a crown. In such cases, a post can be inserted into the canal of the tooth, where it will lie comfortably. Around this post, a crown buildup is designed. This base structure securely holds your permanent crown.Dr. Lim has been extensively trained to provide restorative care. You don't have to let the fear of root canal therapy keep you from eliminating painful infection. We perform this procedure carefully and with great care. Contact Hillside Dental today for your dental check-up.
