Our Services

Root Canals

Dr. Last is well trained in the performance of root canal therapy and is happy to provide this service. She uses the most advanced equipment available to provide this treatment.

What is a Root Canal?

Interestingly, sometimes teeth need root canal therapy even when they are not in pain. The pulp within a tooth can die without a patient even knowing that this has occurred, possibly due to trauma or deep decay. When the pulp dies, the canal space is left open and eventually bacteria can enter and multiply, resulting in a significant infection that can eventually erode away the bone at the base of the root of the tooth. Eventually, the infection in the bone will cause an abscess that must be treated. It is important to understand that even when a tooth doesn't hurt, it still may need root canal therapy. Also, once a tooth has been diagnosed as requiring root canal therapy this treatment must be performed or the tooth must be extracted. Antibiotics may be used to treat an infection of this nature temporarily, but unfortunately the infection will always return once the antibiotics are stopped. Just because the tooth feels better does not mean that it is cured

During a root canal therapy procedure, a small access hole is made in the center of the tooth, which opens into the pulp space. Next, all of the infected pulpal tissue is removed and the remaining canal space is thoroughly sterilized. Finally, an inert rubber material, called gutta percha, is placed into the canal space. This material fills and seals the canal space, which prevents bacteria from re-entering the canal and causing additional infection. Finally, a permanent restoration is placed in the whole where the access to pulp was made. Most often, a tooth that has had root canal therapy will also need a crown. Teeth that have had root canal therapy are much more susceptible to fracture, and a full coverage restoration is necessary to prevent them from breaking.