Root Canals

Dr. Helvey uses root canal treatment treat problems of the tooth's soft core (the dental pulp). Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, root canal treatment has given dentists a safe way of saving teeth.

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 is diseased or injured and can't repair itself, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let germs (bacteria) enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth.

When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jaw bones. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.

Treatment often involves from one to three visits. During treatment, Dr. Helvey removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. Root canal treatment has proven to be a highly effective and safe treatment for teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Dr. Helvey will first diagnose the condition of the teeth through different tests and reviewing with you the symptoms, then based on that diagnosis determine what course of treatment is best suited for your needs. If a root canal is determined to be the best action, then Dr. Helvey can save your tooth through the root canal treatment.

If you feel you may need this service, please contact us for an appointment and we will review your options with you and answer any questions.