The last words you want to hear from your dentist are “root canal,” but this procedure's fearsome reputation is misleading. A modern root canal is a beneficial and comfortable procedure to address painfully infected teeth. Jerry A Laws DDS  and Caitlin L. Miller, DMD of Lexington, NC is pleased to offer this treatment option to save teeth, which would otherwise be lost.

Tooth Anatomy

Your tooth consists of several layers. The visible outer portion of your tooth is the enamel, which is the hardest portion of the tooth and protects the interior from damage. The next layer is the softer yellow dentin. At the center of each tooth is the pulp chamber, full of living soft tissue, which is connected along the tooth's root canals to the tip of each tooth root. Root canal therapy is primarily concerned with these soft tissues.

Infected Teeth

Occasionally, the tooth pulp can become infected and inflamed, either due to tooth decay which has reached deep inside the tooth or to advanced gum disease. This infection can result in the death of the tooth's soft tissue and nerves, even though the enamel and dentin are essentially intact. When this occurs, the tooth is in danger of being lost but can be preserved by removing the soft tissues and replacing them with a sterile filling.

Root Canal Procedure

Root canal therapy is completed using anesthesia to ensure your tooth remains numb throughout the procedure. To complete a root canal, your dentist enters the top surface of the tooth and clears out the infected pulp. Using tiny, flexible tools, your dentist continues down each of your tooth's root canals, ensuring all traces of soft tissue are cleaned away. The empty space is then filled with a specially designed material and topped with a dental crown. This process leaves you with a healthy, comfortable smile once again.

If you're concerned about your teeth or want to learn more about a root canal, Jerry A Laws, DDS, and Caitlin L. Miller, DMD will help. For information, or to schedule an appointment, call (336) 249-7708, or get in touch online.