Root canals are often a dental procedure that brings a shudder from most patients. Our team at Bradshaw Family Dental is prepared to remove the bacteria that is causing the painful infection and restore the health of your tooth. Working with the appropriate anesthetic for your needs, the procedure itself is not painful, it is the raging infection that is causing you discomfort, and we can relieve it. Non-surgical root canal treatments are minimally invasive, this procedure allows us to perform the necessary endodontic treatment to allow you to resume normal function.

What is the difference between a surgical root canal and a non-surgical root canal?

A non-surgical root canal involves going inside the tooth, but does not require the cutting into the soft gum tissue. In some cases, the bacteria has traveled into one of the many branches that extends from your root and surgery is needed, but in most situations, we can remove the bacteria through the tooth. One non-surgical root canal treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent any need for dental implants or dental bridges. Dr. David Frausto performs root canal treatments at our Prescott Valley office to restore the health of the tooth and eliminate the bacterial infection.

How did the root of my tooth become infected?

The most common cause for infected pulp is decay. Deep cavities that extend to the root allows bacteria to settle and then react through infection. This can be very painful for the patient. Other causes can come from tiny fractures or cracks in the tooth, allowing passage for bacteria, or from multiple dental procedures to a single tooth.

Root Canal Process

A root canal is a recommended non-surgical treatment to remove the diseased pulp. To rid the infection, the root canal system is cleaned, it is necessary to remove the pulp, the nerves, and connective tissue, taking the source of infection with it. This material was needed while the tooth was developing, but once it is grown, the pulp is no longer needed. Once the inner portion of the tooth is removed and cleansed, it is then sealed with a rubber material that has been treated to help prevent further infection. During treatment, patients are under local anesthesia to increase their comfort. In most situations, we are able to complete this procedure in one appointment.

Root canal therapy has a 90 percent success rate and you will be informed if any complication occurs during the procedure. Additionally, nitrous oxide will be provided to calm nerves, if needed. Most patients are able to drive home after treatment and return to your regular daily routine.

After root canal therapy, we may recommend a visit with a restorative dentist for a prosthetic to protect the tooth. Following your root canal treatment, your tooth has been weakened, so additional strength from a dental crown may be necessary. Follow-up restorations can be scheduled within a few weeks from your initial treatment. If any problems occur, our front office staff is available to assist. You can prevent further decay by continuing to practice high quality dental hygiene.

For more information, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (928) 277-0076.