WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?

Before we can understand what a root canal is, it's essential to understand the structure of your teeth. Beneath the hard enamel and sensitive dentin layers of your tooth lies the pulp, housed in a hollow chamber in the middle of your tooth, making up the nerves and blood vessels. Normally, if you get a cavity or a tooth breaks, we repair the outside of it with a filling or crown. But when the nerve tissue is compromised, it’s necessary to treat the tooth from the inside out. 

Root canal treatment involves gentle removal of the damaged nerve, medicating the inside of the tooth, and then sealing it off with a special filling material to prevent reinfection or deterioration. 

WHEN IS A ROOT CANAL NECESSARY?

A root canal is usually necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or begins to die.

This can happen due to common reasons such as:

• Deep areas of untreated tooth decay
  
• A large crack in your tooth
  
• Traumatic injuries, even if they were decades prior

You may be able to tell that you need a root canal if you are exhibiting:

• Hypersensitivity to hot or warm temperatures
  
• A visible abscess on the gums in that area
  
• Severe pain or throbbing, especially when biting down
  
• Physical darkening or discoloration in one specific tooth

Dr. McPherson will order an X-ray of your tooth for us to evaluate the nerve tissue and space around the root of the tooth. He will also examine the tooth visually and then share his findings with you.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A ROOT CANAL

To ensure your comfort throughout the endodontic procedure, Dr. McPherson will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area. Next, we will create a small access point in the tooth to reach the infected pulp. From there, we will carefully remove the infected tissue and clean the open canals to eliminate any remaining bacteria. Next, the canals are sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection.

Depending on the extent of tooth structure lost during the procedure, we may recommend a crown to protect and strengthen the tooth.

Benefits of Choosing Ballpark Heights Family Dental for Your Root Canal:

• Experienced Team: Dr. McPherson has over two decades of experience in performing successful root canal procedures.
  
• Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure precision and comfort during your treatment.
  
• Compassionate Care: We understand that dental visits can make some people feel nervous, so we’re dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
  
• Preservation of Natural Teeth: Gentle root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction and replacement.
  

CALL OUR DES MOINES DENTIST TODAY

If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or signs of an abscessed tooth, don’t wait. Call Ballpark Heights Family Dental in Des Moines, IA, today to reserve an appointment with Dr. Scott McPherson. Be sure to ask about our membership program.