Root Canal Treatment in Santa Rosa

Root canals are hollow areas inside a tooth, where the nerve and blood supply sit. The root canal runs through the root and into the pulp chamber, which is the innermost core of a tooth.

Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure that allows us to save teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted because of damage or infection. We frequently recommend this treatment when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to tooth decay, trauma, or a crack in the tooth. In rare cases, the nerve inside a tooth can die for no discernible reason, making root canal therapy necessary.

What is a Root Canal?

During a root canal treatment, your endodontist will make a small hole to access and  remove the damaged or diseased tissue from within the tooth. Once the infected pulp is completely removed and the inside of the tooth is clean, they’ll seal the root canals with a specialized material called gutta percha to prevent future problems.

Following the procedure, the endodontist place a temporary filling, crown, or other restoration until the tooth stabilizes and we’re sure the root canal therapy was effective and does not need further attention. 

When we know the therapy was effective, you’ll return to our office to have a permanent restoration placed. Over time, root canal treated teeth become brittle, so we’ll need to protect them. 

For molars, we almost always recommend a dental crown to reinforce the tooth structure and prevent cracks and fractures. Front teeth may not need a full-coverage crown as they don’t need to stand up to heavy pressure like back teeth. However, the tooth may become discolored, so a crown or porcelain veneer can preserve its appearance.