Save Your Tooth with Root Canal Treatment

Fountaingrove's pragmatic demographic understands that endodontic treatment preserves teeth better than extraction and replacement. Many residents also value natural tooth preservation from a health and longevity standpoint. Delayed endodontic treatment leads to worsening infection and eventual extraction; we encourage timely treatment to preserve natural tooth structure.

Root canal therapy (endodontics) involves systematic removal of infected or necrotic pulp tissue, disinfection of the root canal system, and three-dimensional obturation with biocompatible filling material. The process begins with access opening positioned to visualize the pulp chamber floor and all canal orifices. A microscope provides magnification for visualization and instrumentation. The pulp is extirpated using small files with circumferential motion; this is the most important step in infection removal.

Canals are worked to length (measured from a reference point to the apical foramen using electronic apex locator and radiographic confirmation) and enlarged using progressively larger files. Irrigation with sodium hypochlorite removes bacterial biofilm and dissolves organic debris. Final file (master apical file) is one size larger than the binding file at working length. Obturation fills the canal space completely using gutta-percha points and epoxy resin sealer. A warm vertical condensation or single-cone technique ensures three-dimensional fill without voids. The access opening is sealed with composite or temporary material, and a crown is typically recommended to restore the tooth and prevent fracture.

Your natural tooth, even after root canal treatment and with a crown, functions better long-term than an implant or bridge. That's an investment worth making for tooth preservation.