What is root canal therapy, and why do I need it?

Dr. Bridget Lervick of Grandview Center for Dentistry defines root canal therapy as a procedure to save a natural, adult tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During the treatment, the decayed or infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the roots of teeth) is removed, and the remaining space is filled with a material called gutta-percha. The result is a tooth that looks healthy but has no living tissue in its interior.

Why might I need endodontics?

Root canals are necessary because when the pulp becomes infected, it might cause severe pain, swelling, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Root canals are typically done when a person experiences severe pain from decay or an abscessed tooth.

What happens during root canal therapy?

During this procedure, Dr. Lervick will first numb the area around your affected tooth using local anesthesia so you won’t feel any discomfort. After that, she creates an opening in the crown of your tooth so she can access the infected pulp inside. Special tools are used to remove the infected tissue and clean the area before filling it with gutta-percha and sealing it up with a dental crown or filling. The goal is to restore your tooth to full function and prevent further infection or decay while eliminating the need for extraction and replacement of the natural tooth.

How do I take care of my smile after my procedure?

Once you have been through root canal therapy, you should make sure you brush and floss regularly as you would any other tooth. You should also visit Grandview Center for Dentistry regularly for check-ups to ensure that there are no signs of infection developing around the treated area.

Who can I call if I need root canal therapy?

Edina, MN, area patients are welcome to connect with our team by calling (952) 955-4505 and scheduling an appointment at our office, conveniently located at 5201 Eden Avenue, Suite #120. Dr. Bridget Lervick serves patients in and around the communities of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Richfield, and Bloomington, MN, and is open to new patients and families.