Your teeth have several layers, including the enamel and dentin that make up the outer layers of the tooth. The soft tissue at the center of the tooth is called the pulp. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
The tooth’s pulp can become infected or inflamed because of severe decay, trauma to the tooth, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or gum disease. This can lead to pain and could lead to the development of an abscess.
Root canal therapy, also called endodontic therapy, removes the infected pulp to save the tooth. A hole is drilled either through the back or the top of the tooth. Your dentist will remove the damaged or dying pulp from inside the pulp chamber and root canals. Once the pulp is gone, the root canals are cleaned and disinfected. To prevent the infection from returning, the canals must be filled, usually with a rubbery material called gutta percha. A crown
will be placed over the tooth to protect it. It will continue to function like a regular tooth after the procedure.
While popular wisdom claims that root canal therapy is an extremely painful experience, the procedure is designed to reduce pain. Modern advancements in tool and techniques make it faster and less uncomfortable than in the past. Many root canal procedures can be completed in one or two appointments.
If you need root canal therapy and are in the Las Vegas area, Dr. Cutter
can provide compassionate, experienced care. Call the Budget Dental
office today to make an appointment.