Root Canal Therapy – Grand Rapids, MN
Preserving Your Natural Smile
In the not-so-distant past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, it would probably have to be extracted. Today, with root canal therapy, odds are the tooth can be saved and with it... your smile!
Teeth needing root canals often cause pain and swelling. After a thorough examination, Drs. Rachel and Spencer Buchert can take care of your discomfort quickly and professionally. In most cases, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure that causes little or no discomfort. While Grand Rapids Dental Care can provide care for patients needing root canal therapy, we also maintain an extensive network of dental specialists to whom we can refer patients needing specialized care.
Why Choose Grand Rapids Dental Care for Root Canal Therapy?
- We Accept Dental Insurance
- One-Visit CEREC Dental Crowns
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that treats problems of the tooth's core (the pulp). The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root. When the pulp becomes diseased or injured and cannot repair itself, it dies.
The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can allow germs (bacteria) to enter the pulp and cause an infection inside the tooth. Without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone, forming an abscess, which can cause permanent damage to the bone. Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps had to be removed. Luckily, the development of root canal treatment has given dentists a safe way of saving teeth and alleviating the pain and swelling that accompanies an infected pulp.
The Root Canal Procedure
Root canal treatment can usually be performed in a single visit. During the procedure, we will remove the diseased pulp, and then clean and seal the pulp chamber and root canal. Generally, the tooth requires a crown to improve its strength following treatment. A tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime as long as the teeth and gums are well cared for with thorough home care and regular dental checkups.