Indianapolis patient asks, “What is involved with root canal surgery?”

Root canal treatment sounds like a daunting prospect but the procedure saves millions of teeth each year and relieves discomfort for millions of patients. People associate the words “root canal” with pain, however, the treatment actually stops the pain that patients may be experiencing from the underlying issues. Patients generally report that any discomfort during root canal therapy is similar to that of receiving a filling.

Damage such as trauma, cracks, or chips in the tooth, decay, failing crowns, or multiple dental procedures on a tooth can cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected. Without treatment, this condition becomes extremely painful and may lead to an abscess. Pulp is soft tissue that lies beneath the outer layer of enamel and the secondary layer of dentin. This tissue is necessary for the initial growth and development of the tooth, however, once the tooth is fully formed, pulp has no significant function. The nerves and blood vessels within the pulp simply respond to sensations of heat or cold. A tooth can remain intact and functional without the pulp because nourishment is provided by surrounding tissues.

During root canal therapy, an experienced Doctor of Dental Surgery, such as Dr. Matthew Church at Washington Street Dentistry, will remove the infected pulp, then clean, disinfect, fill, and seal the inside of the tooth. A filling or dental crown may be added for strength and protection.

Root canal therapy offers several benefits, including:

• Saving the natural tooth means that the root of the tooth remains intact. The root provides necessary stimulation to the bone of the jaw to prevent bone loss and keeping nearby teeth from shifting.
• Patients continue to enjoy their beautiful smiles.
• Comfortable and efficient chewing is restored.
• Normal bite force is maintained, which prevents excessive strain on other teeth

For more than 15 years, Dr. Church has been caring for the oral health needs of families. With a complete range of advanced dental care, Washington Street Dentistry can meet the needs of patients of all ages. To determine whether or not a patient is a candidate for root canal therapy, Dr. Church will explain the procedure and discuss comfort measures like anesthesia.

To learn more about root canal therapy, call us today at (317) 333-6788.

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