Root Canals In Frederick, MD
Our Endodontist Provides Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are tiny internal passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root. All teeth have between one and four root canals.
Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.
A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems including pain and sensitivity as the first indications of a problem. However, inside a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, which can lead to an abscess.
From our endodontists in Frederick, MD root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success. It involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth. Before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.
Root Canal Procedure
The procedure for a root canal usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown.
Most patients who have a root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.
Our Endodontist
Dr. Pratik Patel is our Endodontist here at Pearlfection Dentistry. He is a native of Virginia and graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from SUNY at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine and completed his General Practice Residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. To learn more about Dr. Patel and his practice, please visit his website .