Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Dr. Thomas A. Kernstock
    • Our Team
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
  • Our Services
  • Make An Appointment
    • Online Forms
    • Payment Options
  • Patient Education
    • Dental Education Library
      • Oral Health Topics
      • Tooth Care
      • Dental Problems
      • Treatment
        • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Pain Management
      • Patient Information
      • Product Reviews
      • Glossary
      • Links

(989) 893-4381

  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Treatment >
  • Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy

  • Created in Treatment

Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root.

All teeth have between one and four root canals.

Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.

A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems including pain and sensitivity as the first indications of a problem.  However, inside a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, which can lead to an abscess. 

Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.

Procedure

Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown.

Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.

  • Dental Education Library
    • Oral Health Topics
    • Tooth Care
    • Dental Problems
    • Treatment
      • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Pain Management
    • Patient Information
    • Product Reviews
    • Glossary
    • Links

Our Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Dr. Thomas A. Kernstock

Call Us Today

(989) 893-4381

Request Appointment

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map