Root Canal

Root canals are widely used to save the root of a severely decayed or damaged tooth.  Untreated infections can spread into other areas of the jaw and affect the health of tooth roots.  A root canal is sometimes used to eradicate an infection, as well.   

Saving an entire tooth, including the root, helps to promote good dental health, as well as the bone and muscular structures of the face.  If an entire tooth can be saved, Dr. Kim could suggest a root canal to avoid a total dental extraction. 

The tooth root is the cavity or canal inside the jawbone.  A root canal procedure removes the nerve and pulp through a small hole, then carefully cleaned, dried, and sealed.  A rubber compound called gutta-percha is placed, and the small hole is sealed with a filling.  The top of the tooth is prepared for a temporary crown to be put in place while a permanent crown is manufactured. 

If an infection is present in the root, medication is placed first instead of the gutta-percha to allow the infection to heal.  Then, the remainder of the procedure is performed. 

When the permanent crown is available, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent one is cemented with a stronger adhesive.