Root Canals
Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve inside of a tooth has a problem.
Every tooth has a hollow space (pulp chamber/root canal) and that is where the nerve is located. There are a couple of reasons why a nerve can have a problem.
- The number one reason is cavity. When cavity gets too deep inside of a tooth and reaches the hollow space, it contaminates the nerve. Once the nerve is contaminated, it can start making the tooth hurt and potentially cause an infection (abscess).
- Another reason for nerve problems is trauma. Getting hit directly on a tooth can cause the nerve to die.
- Pain and infection can also result in the need for root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment consists of cleaning the “bad” nerve out of the tooth and filling the roots with a soft sealer. Once the nerve is removed, the pain will go away. After the root canal is completed, a filling or crown will be needed to restore the tooth.
Dr Wieczorek does not treat upper molar root canals or difficult lower molars as they can be quite complex. The ideal treatment for those teeth will be referral to an endodontist (root canal specialist).