Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is the name of a procedure used to try to save an infected or badly decayed tooth. If an infection is not removed from a tooth, either by extraction or a root canal, the infection will begin to spread to surrounding tissues. Saving the tooth is always the best answer, so Dr. Storm may suggest a root canal instead of extraction.

A root canal is the removal of nerve and pulp that are in the cavity (canal) of the root. Hence, the name of the procedure. After the nerve and pulp are removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned out and sealed immediately or medication is placed in the canal with a temporary filling, and a follow-up appointment is made to allow time for the infection to be completely eradicated.

When it is time to finish the root canal, a sealer paste and a rubber compound (called gutta percha) are packed into the canal. A filling is placed in the access hole for the root canal, and the remainder of the tooth is prepared for a permanent crown to be placed.

A temporary crown is placed while a permanent crown is being manufactured, usually about two weeks. A second visit is scheduled to remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown into place.

Call Marshall Storm, DDS, in Walpole, MA, to make an appointment.