Root Canal

If a cavity goes untreated or an injury to the tooth affects the pulp of the tooth, you may need a root canal. For those in greater Lansing a root canal can be scheduled with our team, or you can contact our team for more information on treatment and the procedure if you still need to learn more.

Call Us Now

About | Root Canals

Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is necessary when the pulp of a tooth is affected by injury or a cavity. The pulp is the soft center of the tooth that houses the nerves and vessels. Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early. However, if you think you may need a root canal you should contact our office immediately.

Once the pulp becomes infected it can extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone and create an abscess. By the time the pulp is infected, it must be treated by one of our dentists. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot and cold foods or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, or a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes no symptoms are apparent, and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.

The Process | Root Canals

A root canal treatment is performed by drilling a small hole into the top of the tooth and removing the infected nerve. The inner chamber is cleaned and disinfected. The canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. Once the infection is resolved the canal is filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually, a core build-up and crown are recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy. After your root canal treatment, we recommend you brush and floss carefully and rinse the tooth several times a day.

If you are suffering from persistent pain and sensitivity we may recommend root canal therapy. If you think you may need a root canal, contact us at our Lansing office to schedule an appointment.