What is a root canal?
Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth’s nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals. Why do I feel pain? When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and cellular activity, and pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing on it and applying hot or cold foods and drinks. Why do I need root canal therapy? Because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall-out.
Q) What about children’s dentistry? A) We place a special emphasis on the care of young patients. Dr. Sefranek has taken numerous advanced courses in children’s dentistry and our office utilizes the tell-show-do approach. For the very young, the first visit is usually done with the child sitting on the parent’s lap in the dental chair. All children are given pointers on how to brush as well as a full orthodontic screening. We have children’s movies to help distract, relax, and entertain the child patient. This approach minimizes cost, avoids sedative medications, and initiates healthy attitudes toward dentistry that are carried on throughout adulthood. Q) How can I help my children have healthy mouths? Q) What about preventative dentistry? A) The most common oral diseases are Gum disease (pyorreah) and dental caries (cavities). We develop a customized disease prevention plan for each patient’s oral health.
Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp which carries the tooth’s nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals.
