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Root Canal Treatment in Scottsdale

Endodontics – Treating the roots of the teeth to prevent tooth loss and pain.
Root canals are just one of many endodontic procedures your AccuCare Dentist might recommend you undergo.

When the roots of your teeth become inflamed or infected from decay or trauma, it can result in a high level of sensitivity and even pain. In some cases, the nerve of the tooth will die as a result. Instead of removing the tooth, your dentist can save the tooth by performing endodontic treatment.


Parts of the Tooth and What Happens During Root Canal Treatment

Each tooth has three parts:

  • Enamel or cementum
  • Dentin
  • Nerve (known as the pulp)

The crown of the tooth (the part you can see in your mouth) is covered by enamel, whereas the roots are covered with cementum, a mineral-like structure that protects the roots and anchors the teeth to gum ligaments.

The next layer is a soft, porous layer called dentin. The final layer is the pulp, made up of nerve tissue and blood vessels.


Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy (RCT)

Your AccuCare Scottsdale dentist will urge RCT if you have the following symptoms:

  • Gum swelling
  • Facial swelling
  • An abscess (with or without drainage)
  • Bone loss at the base of the root (only visible in x-rays)
  • Severe tooth pain
  • Prolonged sensitivity to temperature
  • Darkening of the tooth (with other teeth unaffected)

In some cases, no symptoms exist. However, that doesn’t mean an RCT isn’t necessary. In fact, failure to take care of the tooth promptly can result in tooth loss, which is why you need to see your dentist for a dental examination and cleaning at least twice a year.


What is a Root Canal?

Here’s what you can expect if your dentist tells you that you need one or more root canals.

  • X-rays will be taken before, during, and after the procedure
  • Anesthesia will be administered
  • A handpiece will be used to gain access to the root chamber through the top or back of the tooth
  • Your dentist will remove the pulp using tiny scrub brush-like tools
  • A thermoplastic filling material, called gutta-percha, will be used to fill the root canals
  • A temporary filling will be placed in the tooth

After you heal, you’ll return to your dentist for a permanent filling or crown preparation appointment.


Endodontics in Scottsdale: What if the Root Canal Doesn’t Work?

In over 30 years of practice, AccuCare Dental has performed numerous root canals. During that time, there have been cases in which the tooth has sustained too much damage for an RCT to be effective.

If this happens to you, AccuCare may refer you to an endodontic specialist for surgical endodontics. Or the tooth may need to be extracted. At AccuCare, we will do all we can to make your visit with us pain-free and convenient, so we offer sedation options and same-day implant placement.

Do you have a toothache or tooth sensitivity? Contact us at 480-998-8073 to schedule an emergency evaluation.