General Dentist

Serving Salem, Nashua, and Manchester, New Hampshire

Endodontics (Root Canal)

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that looks at the tissue surrounding the tooth and the tooth pulp, which contains the nerves. When a tooth is injured or begins to severely decay, endodontic treatment is required. Endodontic treatment may require endodontic therapy, or a root canal.

These two words conjure up dread in many dental patients, but understanding the procedure is the first way to allay any fears. Though root canals used to always take more than one visit to the dentist, and prolong the patients’ anxiety, General Dentist, Dr. Mathew can complete this procedure in only one visit. A root canal may also be the only way to restore the teeth to a healthy state.

The center of the tooth has a natural cavity containing the pulp, the main root canals, and branches that connect the canals to one another or the root surface of the tooth. Sometimes the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to fractures, damage, or decay of the tooth, and may carry bacteria to the root canal. A root canal removes the infected tissue.

After the patient is anesthetized, the infected tooth is drilled into so the tissue, or pulp, can be removed. It is important to remove all the bacterial infection during this process. The canals of the tooth are cleaned out using a file, and the tooth is irrigated to clear and neutralize any remaining tissue. Once the tooth has been hollowed out, it is filled, usually with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha, and then capped with a crown. The crown will keep the tooth from fracturing, or being otherwise damaged again.

Root canals are an effective and sometimes are the only way to clear the bacterial infection from the tooth. An infected tooth will not heal on its own, so it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible if you believe you have an infection and may need a root canal.

If you would like to learn more about endodontics or schedule a general dentistry consultation, please contact General Dentist, Dr. Paul Mathew. Dr. Mathew and his team serve the Salem, Manchester, and Nashua, New Hampshire area.

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