Let’s take a step back for a second and understand the structure of a tooth before getting into what exactly a root canal treatment entails. The term “Endodontic” comes from the Greek words “endo” and “odont” meaning “inside” and “tooth” respectively. A root canal is a type of treatment that involves the pulp or nerve of the teeth. Typically when there is a cavity or a “hole” in a tooth, it can leave the entire tooth structure vulnerable while allowing further bacteria into the tooth to grow and multiply. This is why it is best to take care of cavities immediately when found by your dentist.
If the tooth is left with the cavity, you may start to feel severe pain and swelling near the area of the infected tooth. Once the bacteria reach the pulp or nerve of the tooth, the process is irreversible and a root canal is needed to save the remainder of the tooth. A root canal treatment consists of two steps: 1. Removal of the nerves and pulp 2. Cleaning and sealing the infected area. In most cases this can be done in one to two visits.
Dr. Malek utilizes today’s latest advancements to perform root canal procedures with virtually no pain. After root canal treatment, a tooth may need additional restorative care to prevent it from further weakening and breaking. This is determined after the root canal treatment is completed.