Root Canal Therapy
A dental implant is a titanium post designed to replace missing teeth. The post is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing and provides a more permanent solution.
Crowns and conventional bridges or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. For some people, dental implants offer a smile that looks and feels very natural. Implants are surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments and fuse to the jawbone. Implants offer stability because they fuse to your bone, a process called osseointegration. Integration of the implants into your jaw also helps your replacement teeth feel more natural, and some people find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes. Candidates for dental implants must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.
Reasons for Root Canal Therapy
- Decay has reached the tooth’s pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
- Extreme wear due to bruxism (grinding)
What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by Dr. Baskin. While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and isolated from the other teeth. A hole will be created at the top of the tooth, then the infected pulp will be cleaned out from inside the tooth. Medicine will be applied to remove any bacteria, and a temporary filling will be placed. When the tooth has had time to heal from the root canal treatment, you will need to return to our office to check the healing of the tooth. If the tooth has healed, then it will be ready to have a permanent crown placed to prevent any further decay or fracturing of the treated area.
At times the tooth requiring treatment has a complex root or the infection is such that it needs a specialist, called an endodontist, to examine and complete root canal therapy. Dr. Baskin will work closely with our endodontic specialist to review your treatment case, send necessary records to their office, and place the crown after your root canal is completed. Our office staff will help coordinate your appointments, and help you understand your financial responsibility. Give us a call at (623) 633-7358 with any questions about root canal therapy.