Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Severe toothache pain.
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present.
  • Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

I have been going to surprise dental care for over 10 years. The office is always very clean the staff very friendly and accommodating.
I love my dentist there, she's very gentle professional and does great work!

Dr Jenny Wang DDS did my veneers 10 years ago and they still look beautiful, Have had no problems whatsoever and I still get compliments and people want to know Who did my veneers !

I also had two implants there And had no problems. I have heard horrific stories about implants but mine worked very well never having to go back for any reason.

I, without any hesitation would recommend this dentistry In surprise Arizona, and I give them full marks.

Marina F.

I have been Dr. Wang's patient for about 10 years, I have very positive experience with staffs and hygienist. They are very professional, friendly and make me feel very comfortable going to the dentist. Dr. Wang is the best dentist I ever had, she gives painless shots and she is extremely knowledgeable of dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. My husband and I have great dental care with Dr. Wang.

Laura. A.

Dr. Wang, I am one of your dental patients' and have interfaced with your complete staff on numerous occasions, from the administrative staff to the dental specialists, and I find them all outstanding in every respect. I have traveled from the east coast to the west coast, Europe and Asia and have had dental work performed in many dental facilities, and if I could rate them, your office, Surprise Dental Care, would received the top rating.
You talk to me in a polite and caring manner. You do this by questioning me and making sure I am ok all throughout the process. this ensures me that you care about my aches and pains while the dental work is being performed. The hygienist Karen is certainly the best I have ever encountered to date.
Dr. Wang, please convey my appreciation to your team of experts for a job well done, above and beyond the call of duty.

Jeff . C.

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Contact Us. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.