Behind the white enamel exterior of the tooth is a layer of porous, bone-like material called dentin. Under a microscope, the dentin layer looks like a sponge with many tiny tubules. The tubules in the dentin transmit sensations to nerve cells in the tooth’s inner core, a region called the pulp. Dental pulp tissue consists of both nerves and blood vessels and may undergo inflammation or infection if the tooth suffers from a large cavity, fracture, or trauma.

Teeth are sensory organs. Nerves in the teeth sense more than just hot and cold. They also serve to sense bite pressure. Together, teeth form a neural sensory network in the jaws that provide vital feedback to the brain while biting or chewing.

Symptoms of inflamed or dying nerve tissue include discomfort while biting, pain in the gums, hypersensitivity to temperature, or visible tooth injury. These conditions may require root canal therapy. Dr. Leedy and his team will use digital x-ray technology during the examination to reach a diagnosis.

If you experience symptoms of a tooth infection or dying nerve, or if a deep cavity or tooth fracture to the nerve is detected, Dr. Leedy may recommend root canal therapy to eliminate the diseased pulp tissue so that the tooth can heal.  Before starting treatment, Dr. Leedy will administer local anesthesia that will adequately numb the tooth, eliminating any discomfort while the procedure is being performed. A series of small rotary instruments will be used to clean, sterilize and seal the tooth to avoid further infection, thus allowing the tooth to heal. The result of root canal therapy is an elimination of discomfort after the procedure is complete. In our office root canal therapy can be performed with or without oral conscious sedation.

Following root canal therapy, it may be necessary to have a crown placed on the tooth to restore it to full function and aesthetic appearance. After that, with proper care the tooth should last for many years.