What is root canal therapy, and what can I expect from this procedure?

Root canal therapy, referred to by Dr. Jennifer Wahlen and the team as endodontic therapy, is a procedure designed to salvage a tooth from extraction while addressing severe decay or infection. Our team at Wahlen Dentistry in Perry, Utah, can help you understand the process, and what to expect when you arrive for your procedure so there are no surprises during your visit. 

What can I expect during my root canal therapy appointment?

If you are trying to save a decayed or infected natural tooth with endodontic therapy, you are not alone. Here is what you can expect to happen during your root canal appointment:

• Anesthetics. The area where the procedure will be performed will be numbed with local anesthetics. In situations where patients have increased anxiety, sedation may also be administered. We do not start our procedures until the patient is relaxed, at ease, and comfortable
• Access. Special instruments are used to create an access point in the natural tooth structure. This allows Dr. Jennifer Wahlen to remove the dental pulp from inside the tooth
• Removal of dental pulp. Our team best describes the dental pulp as a mass of tissues within the canals of a tooth. They house the blood supply and the nerves. With removal, the tooth will no longer provide feeling to the patient as the tooth is then considered “dead”
• Disinfection. The inner canals of the natural tooth are then disinfected. This is to remove any remaining bacteria to ensure another infection does not occur
• Preservation of remaining structure. The inner canals of the tooth are sealed with a material called gutta-percha, and a dental crown may be fabricated to bond over the natural tooth structure to help it remain in place. Without a dental crown, the tooth can become weak and brittle over time, leaving it highly susceptible to damage and, eventually, needing extraction if it cannot be maintained in the smile
• Monitoring. After the procedure, patients need to continue to see Dr. Jennifer Wahlen regularly for cleanings and examinations to ensure the tooth and crown remain in good condition

Can I save a natural tooth with endodontic therapy?

Absolutely! And Dr. Jennifer Wahlen and her team are here to help!

Call (435) 246-4602 to request an appointment at our clinic today. We are open to new and returning patients in and around our community.