The Oft-Maligned Root Canal

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Root canals have gotten a bad rap over the years. Comedians make root canal jokes, and of course, many people have said the famous phrase “I would rather get a root canal than (fill in the blank).” In all honesty, root canals allow dentists and specialists to save teeth that in the past would have needed to be extracted. At the core of each tooth is the pulp which contains the nerves and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive. If that pulp becomes infected through damage or decay, our doctors will need to remove it.

After accessing the root chamber, our doctors will remove the diseased pulp and disinfect the area. After this, the doctors may slightly enlarge the chamber before inserting a material to replace the pulp. The doctors will seal the tooth and may send you home with a prescription for pain or for an antibiotic. The doctors will schedule you for a follow-up appointment to check your progress and may discuss the need for a crown or a filling. If you notice pain, swelling, numbness or anything out of the ordinary, let us know right away.

If you are experiencing a toothache, particularly when you bite or chew, or if the area around the tooth is swollen, you should talk to our doctors. If you live in the Evanston, Wyoming, area, you can make an appointment at Wyoming Dental Specialties by calling 307-789-5608.