Root Canal Treatment in Anchorage, AK

A root canal is a common dental procedure to save a tooth with an infected or damaged pulp. The innermost part of the tooth is called the pulp chamber. This is where the nerve and blood supply are that make the tooth “alive”.  During a root canal, we clean out the inside of the tooth, disinfect it, then fill and permanently seal the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering inside the tooth to reinfect it. A permanent crown is usually placed afterward for optimal protection.

These steps prevent extractions and preserve your natural tooth structure.

Signs a Tooth May Need Treatment

Symptoms vary, and some teeth give no warning at all. The ones patients notice most often are:

• Pain that lingers after something hot or cold
• Discomfort when biting down
• A tooth that has darkened compared to your other teeth
• Tender spot or bump on the gum nearby.

Because a tooth can be infected without hurting, these problems are frequently found during a routine exam or on an x-ray. If any of it sounds familiar, have it looked at rather than waiting to see whether it passes.

What the Appointment Is Like

Treatment is done under local anesthetic, and for most people the visit feels much like having a filling placed. The pulp chamber and canals are cleaned and disinfected, shaped, and then sealed. Depending on the tooth and how much infection is present, the work may be finished in one visit or split across two. Mild soreness for a few days afterward can be experienced. We will go over what to expect and how to manage it before you leave.

Why a Crown Usually Follows

A treated tooth no longer has the blood supply that once supplied it nutrients, and enough structure has been removed that the tooth is more likely to fracture if left uncrowned. That is why a crown is typically placed once the tooth has a root canal. Leaving that step undone is a common reason a successfully treated tooth is still lost later on.

When a Tooth Cannot Be Saved

The alternative to a root canal is removing the tooth, followed by an implant, bridge, or partial to fill the space it leaves. Keeping your own tooth is the simpler path when it is possible, and it avoids the work of replacing it afterward. If a tooth is not a good candidate for treatment, we will tell you that directly and go through your options.