Root canals are necessary when a tooth has a problem that a filling or crown alone will not correct. Normally it is due to decay that has reached the pulp of the tooth. If left untreated, an infection forms at the base of the root's canal, called an abscess. The abscess is the body's way of trying force the tooth out. Some people notice a "bubble" on their gums in the same area of the tooth. This is also a result of the abscess. An abscess can be very painful and should be brought to the dentist's attention as soon as possible.

At Dickinson Dental we recommend hygiene check-ups at least twice a year to examine and treat teeth before a root canal is needed. Unfortunately, sometimes root canals are unavoidable. Essentially, a root canal involves cleaning out a tooth's root(s), determining the size and length of the roots, and then filling and sealing the each canal.

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, you may or may not need a root canal. The only way to know for sure is to call Dr. Elliott's office at (281) 534-7112 and setup an examination appointment.

Sometimes the infection persists even after root canal therapy. In these cases, an apicoectomy, or root end resection can be performed to remove diseased tissue.

1) An incision is made to allow access to the base of the tooth. The inflamed or infected pulp is treated and the canals are carefully cleaned and shaped.
2) A small filling may be placed in the remaining tip of the tooth to seal the root canal. The gum tissue is stitched back into place.
3) A crown is placed to protect the tooth.

On rare occasions, an infection returns even after root canal therapy. If a tooth canal cannot be retreated, but the tooth does not need to be removed, an apicoectomy, or root end resection, can be performed to remove diseased tissue.

When your tooth is treated with a crown, you do not always need a root canal. But, when your tooth is treated with a root canal, you will almost always need a crown.

Most crowns are required because a tooth has deep decay and/or a crack but a filling will not sufficiently restore the tooth. If fillings were to be placed in these teeth, the probability of future problems would increase. That is why these teeth are treated with a buildup filling and crown. The decay and/or crack is removed and replaced with the buildup, which is composed of a composite material and bonded to the tooth. The buildup and crown strengthen the tooth and return it back to its original shape and size.

When there is not enough tooth structure remaining for retention after a root canal procedure, a post buildup will be placed to strengthen the tooth. A post is a small metal "screw" that adds strength by connecting the top and bottom halves of a tooth. The post is cemented into place with a composite filling, or buildup filling. A crown is always seated when a post and/or buildup is placed.

When thinking about a buildup and post, think about a road. The cement is like the buildup and the rebar is like the post. As strong as cement is, rebar is required in some situations for extra strength.