Root canals are one of the many ways Hampton Dental Associates, led by Dr. Richard Winter, upholds its legacy of exceptional dental care in the Milwaukee community. With four generations of Winter family dentists dedicated to advanced treatments and patient comfort, we ensure every procedure, from root canals to reconstructive dentistry, is performed with expertise, compassion, and cutting-edge techniques.
Why is a Root Canal Necessary?
The inside of your tooth houses the pulp, a soft tissue with blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Deep decay, cracks, chips, or repeated procedures on the tooth can cause pulp inflammation or infection. The infection can spread when left untreated, causing severe pain, abscesses, or even bone loss around the tooth. A root canal stops this progression, restoring the tooth’s health and functionality.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal is usually completed in one to two visits and involves the following steps:
- Diagnosis and Preparation: Your dentist will use X-rays, advanced nerve testing, bite sticks and sometimes CBCT x-rays to determine the extent of the damage. Once confirmed, Dr. Winter will administer local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Pulp Removal: The dentist makes a small tooth opening to remove the infected or damaged pulp. The canals are carefully cleaned and shaped to eliminate bacteria. This is done with small files and Ni titanium rotary devices to insure clean canals and insure the proper shaping to fill the root canal space.
- Filling and Sealing: The canals are then filled with a biocompatible material and sealed.
- Restoration: In most cases, the tooth will need a post and core or large filling and then the tooth will be prepared and fitted with a dental crown to strengthen and restore its appearance. The post and core or core is the foundation of the tooth and it needs to be strong to support the new crown. The crown is like putting a thimble over the entire tooth which will splint it together, re-direct chewing forces and help protect the tooth for years of function.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Thanks to modern advancements, root canals are not painful! Many patients report that their relief after the procedure outweighs any minor discomfort.
Protect Your Smile with a Root Canal in Milwaukee, WI
A root canal is a powerful tool for maintaining your natural teeth. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, call us today at 414-464-9021 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Winter. Timely treatment can save your teeth and keep your smile healthy.
