Root Canal Therapy

Save an Ailing or Damaged tooth with Root Canal Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ

Have a damaged or severely decayed tooth? Root canal therapy in Scottsdale, AZ may be necessary to save your ailing tooth. You can trust the skilled team at Waldman Dental Group for root canal treatment.

What Is a Root Canal?

In short, a root canal involves removing diseased tissue from the interior of a damaged tooth and filling the created canals with material to protect the tooth from further degradation. The procedure is done when a tooth is at risk due to either damage or decay. Oftentimes, the only alternative to a root canal is a tooth extraction, which is not ideal.

Common Reasons a Tooth Needs Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is recommended if a tooth has decayed to a point that the living tissue within the tooth (the pulp) is affected. The therapy may also be recommended if there is an abscess or infection that has affected the interior of the tooth or potentially the tooth’s root. Also, root canal therapy may be necessary when a tooth has sustained trauma, such as a large chip or crack.

Signs and symptoms that a patient needs root canal therapy can vary. Some patients will have no symptoms even though a tooth is at risk, while others may be dealing with extreme pain, swelling, or sensitivity.

The Root Canal Procedure Explained

A root canal can look a bit different depending on the specifics of the situation. However, the general process with root canal therapy involves:

1. Using a local anesthetic to numb the nerves that surround the tooth
2. Drilling an access hole into the tooth
3. Removing the diseased tissue from inside the tooth
4. Cleaning the interior of the tooth to eradicate present bacteria
5. Shaping the canals and then using filling material to close them
6. Sealing the outside of the tooth

Lastly, some teeth require a restorative crown to add a final layer of protection or restoration. For example, if a cracked tooth has undergone root canal therapy, a dental crown may be recommended to restore and protect the outer structure of the tooth.

Work with an Experienced Scottsdale Dentist for Root Canals

Root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to save an ailing tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted. If you suspect that you have a tooth that needs root canal therapy, it is important to reach out to a Scottsdale dentist for advice as soon as possible. Reach out to us at Waldman Dental Group to schedule an appointment.