Learn all about root canal therapy and what to expect during your endodontic treatment
At Cambridge Family Dental of Cambridge, Wisconsin, Dr. Angela Bauer Williams is excited to offer comprehensive dental services to patients in and around the community. This includes endodontic treatment, sometimes called root canal therapy. This procedure can help with a tooth that has infected or damaged tooth pulp and restore the health of the natural tooth to save it from extraction.
What is a root canal?
The root canal procedure is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth severely damaged by infection. It involves manually removing the damaged or infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inner areas of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it to keep the area from being reinfected in the future.
Why do I need root canal therapy?
The dental pulp is described as the soft tissues inside the tooth that house the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that keep the tooth “alive.” When this dental pulp is damaged or infected, it often results in significant pain and discomfort. In some situations, the infection might eventually spread to many other parts of the body if not treated promptly. Root canal therapy is necessary to eliminate this infection and keep the tooth from further damage or potential loss.
How does the procedure work, and what can I expect during my time in the dentist’s chair?
The root canal procedure typically involves multiple steps that may require more than one visit to our office. The first step is to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. This ensures you are very comfortable during the procedure. Next, Dr. Williams creates an opening in the top of the tooth to create access to the pulp chamber and canals. She will carefully remove any of the damaged or infected tissue from inside the canals using small instruments. The canals are cleaned to prepare them for a special type of dental filling. After thoroughly cleansing, the canals will be filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, and sealed with adhesive cement. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may also receive antibiotics to help eliminate any remaining bacteria.
How do I find out more about endodontic treatments available at Cambridge Family Dental?
If you suspect that you might benefit from root canal therapy or other endodontic treatments provided by Dr. Angela Bauer Williams, she invites you to call (608) 423-6784 to request an appointment at the office conveniently located at 710 Katie Court in Cambridge, Wisconsin.
