Root Canals

A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the pulp of a tooth, often referred to as the nerve. If the pulp becomes infected by decay, trauma or is damaged in any way, it will need to be removed to preserve the tooth. You will find that an infected pulp becomes painful unless the infection is removed and the tooth is restored to health. Dr. Rich Higgs and his associate Dr. Shumake are experienced Dentists that will make your dental experience virtually pain-free, while restoring your overall dental health. Creating confident smiles for over 20 years. 

The main reason a patient may need a root canal is because a tooth or multiple teeth have become infected by decay or has undergone trauma. A tooth may have an acute infection which means there is significant pain resulting from swelling of an abscess at the tip of the root, or a tooth may have a chronic infection which causes symptoms such as pressure to chewing and temperature sensitivity that are less painful but ongoing. In order to eliminate this pain, we recommend that a root canal be performed as soon as possible. An untreated infection can lead to the loss of the tooth that is infected and/or the surrounding teeth. Long term infections become systemic which affect the entire body. Don’t wait if you suspect you may need a root canal. Come visit with Dr. Rich Higgs or Dr. Shumake at Aquila Dental, they will take care of you.

The best way to determine if a root canal is needed is with an examination. We may take x-rays and a CT Scan to better identify the areas of decay or to see if a pulp has been impacted by trauma in the tooth. It is recommended that if you need a root canal, it be done as soon as possible to prevent problems. Our goal is to provide you with a healthy, pain-free smile as soon as possible.

The process starts with local anesthetic, which is used to numb an area of the mouth. Root canals today have come a long way. They are pain free and often feel the same as having a filling done. We then work to remove the decay from the tooth and remove the infected pulp. The canals of the tooth are cleaned thoroughly and filled so that they do not become re-infected. Once this is done, we will recommend covering the tooth with a crown to keep it fully protected. The root canal procedure takes about an hour in our office and allows you to leave pain-free.

If you would like to learn more about root canals and how they’re performed, call us today, or contact us for an appointment via our online form and we can help to answer any of your questions.