Endodontic therapy (root canal therapy) is the treatment of removing the tooth's pulp to eliminate infection and protect the tooth from future infection. Without treatment, an infection inside the tooth will abscess and can spread to the bone surrounding the tooth and beyond.
The procedure is relatively painless when properly done. Dr. Cohen offers anti-anxiety sedation dentistry for those patients who may be a little anxious or would just rather sleep through a procedure.
To assure that there is no infection before applying the permanent crown, the root canal procedure maybe spread over a few visits.
Root Canal Procedure Time Frame
- Time to complete - 1-3 visits to complete, based on infection and complexity
- The tooth's crown is removed at the top to provide access to the dental pulp
- The pulp and nerves are removed to eliminate and prevent infection
- The cleaned tooth and root canals are then filled with a special material that preserves the structural integrity of the tooth and helps to prevent re-infection
- The tooth is reinforced with posts secured in the canals and the tooth is then sealed with a filling plug
- A temporary dental crown is used to cap the tooth
- A permanent crown is fabricated and replaces the temporary crown
Dental Crown Replacement
Dr. Cohen will help you decide on the most appropriate treatment for your comfort and crown replacement options (e.g. all ceramic crowns, porcelain fused to gold, all gold crowns) system to achieve the most natural-looking restoration for your smile.
Dental Implants v. Endodontic Therapy Alternative
A dental implant or dental bridge offers patients with alternatives to root canal therapy. A dental implant will provide a more secure anchor for the crown than a dental bridge.