Dental Services

Root Canal Therapy

If a tooth's pulp, which contains nerve and blood vessels, becomes infected or damaged because of decay or injury, root-canal therapy is often needed to repair the damage and retain the tooth. It is much better to keep as many as your natural teeth as possible. When teeth are extracted and not replaced, teeth near the empty spaces begin to shift. This can effect your chewing ability, cause your mouth to sink in and can change your appearance.

Root canals are typically completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of the pulp. If the tooth has abscessed (the pulp has died and infection has entered the bone), the infection may have to be drained before the root canal can be filled.

Typical procedure:

1. After the tooth is numbed, Dr. Moulthrop makes an opening to reach the pulp chamber and the roots (s) are cleaned out, enlarged and then shaped.
2. Once cleaned and free of infection, the pulp chamber and canals are filled with gutta percha. The tooth is then filled.
3. A root canal compromises the structure and integrity of the tooth and often requires a crown of filling for additional support.

After care: The tissue surrounding your tooth may become inflamed and tender. Over the counter pain medication can help ease discomfort. However, if your symptons persist or you are having an inordinate amount of pain, please contact the office of Dr. Moulthrop for his emergency number.