Dr. Jack Friend and his experienced team have been performing root canals for patients from Colonial Heights, Petersburg, and Richmond for many years.
In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, it was likely that you would lose that tooth. Thanks to a modern dental procedure known as a root canal treatment, you may save that tooth.
Inside each tooth is the pulp and the nerve. The nerve is the vestige of the tissue that originally formed the tooth. Once a tooth has been in the mouth for some time, the functioning of the nerve is no longer a necessity.
When a tooth has a deep cavity or becomes cracked, bacteria can enter the pulp. Germs can then cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess. An abscess can cause the pulp tissue to die. When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jawbones and your overall health. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
A root canal treatment usually involves between one and three visits to the dentist’s office. During treatment, Dr. Friend begins by removing the diseased pulp. Then the pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are cleaned and sealed. Normally teeth that have undergone a root canal treatment should have a cast crown placed to strengthen the remaining structure. Then, as long as you to continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups so that the root(s) of the restored tooth are nourished by the surrounding tissues, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Most of the time a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort, involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (804) 520-8994.