Root Canals

If you develop a cavity or severely damage one of your permanent teeth, you might benefit from root canal treatment. The team of general dentists at Family Dental Group in Gardner, Paxton, and Northborough, Massachusetts, regularly perform root canals on patients of all ages, from children and teens to adults and seniors. If you suspect you need a root canal, schedule an appointment by calling the nearest office or request one online today.

What are root canals?

Root canal therapy is a type of oral surgery designed to address tooth decay or tooth damage safely and effectively.

During a root canal procedure, your Family Dental Group provider removes the soft center of your affected tooth, known as the pulp. Your pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that help your tooth grow. 

By removing the pulp, your provider can preserve your tooth and prevent the need for an extraction.

Why are root canals needed?

Root canal therapy works to address and remove infected or inflamed tooth pulp. At Family Dental Group, the team regularly conducts root canal therapy to address the following:

• Deep decay
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Injured teeth

You might also benefit from root canal therapy if you have a tooth that needs to undergo a series of dental procedures. 

What happens during root canal treatment?

The providers at Family Dental Group perform root canal therapy in the office as an outpatient procedure. Prior to your root canal, your provider does an oral exam, asks you about your symptoms, and takes a series of X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth roots and jaw. 

Afterward, your provider administers a local anesthetic to numb your tooth roots and gums. Once the anesthesia sets in, your dentist creates an access hole in the top of your affected tooth and carefully removes the infected pulp. 

After removing all of the soft tissue, your dentist cleans the center of your tooth (the root canal) with an antiseptic solution. Then, your dentist fills your root canal with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Last, your dentist places a crown to complete your restoration.

How do I prevent damage to my new dental crown after a root canal?

Following root canal therapy, taking care of your tooth is important. Make sure to brush your teeth twice each day, floss once a day, and avoid bad habits like biting your nails, chewing on ice, or biting down on hard candies. By following these steps, your crown can last for 10-15 years.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a toothache, you might benefit from root canal therapy at Family Dental Group. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online today.