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Root Canal Therapy
Salem, OR
Salem, OR man smiling about his successful root canal procedure by his dentist at Oak Park Dental.Your teeth perform many important functions in your mouth, including biting, chewing, and controlling airflow when you speak. The teeth are the strongest substance in your body, able to withstand a significant amount of use. However, they are not indestructible. Issues like trauma and decay can leave the teeth vulnerable to infections and other issues. When these issues arise, treatment is needed right away. Oak Park Dental can help with root canal therapy.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is also referred to endodontic treatment. This is a procedure that is performed to save an infected tooth that would otherwise require an extraction to treat. It is generally performed when the nerve of the tooth has become infected. Rather than extracting the tooth, the pulp, or soft tissue inside of the tooth, and the nerve are removed and the interior of the tooth is disinfected.

By avoiding the need for a tooth extraction, you avoid several serious issues, including problems for adjacent teeth and bone loss in the jaw. You also need to then deal with replacing the tooth that is removed. Saving the tooth allows it to remain in the socket, keeping your jawbone healthy and strong.

Reasons for Root Canal Therapy

There are several reasons why you might need root canal therapy. Common reasons include
•  Cavities. Decay can reach the inside of the tooth, allowing bacteria to travel inside an infect the pulp.
•  Dental trauma or injuries.
•  Excessive tooth wear. This can be caused by a condition called bruxism.
•  An abscess that has developed at the tip of the tooth root. An abscess forms when bacteria begin to spill out of the root of your tooth. It forms as a way to keep bacteria contained.

Symptoms a Root Canal May Be Needed

There are many symptoms that can indicate an infection in the tooth and that a root canal may be necessary. These symptoms include
•  A painful toothache.
•  Swelling in your face or jaw near the affected tooth.
•  Having a chronic bad taste in your mouth. No matter what you do, you cannot seem to get rid of it.
•  Pain or sensitivity that lingers after the irritant that causes the initial discomfort is gone. These issues often indicate a dying nerve in your tooth.
•  An abscess.
•  There is bone loss in your jaw.

How is Root Canal Therapy Performed?

When you suspect an infection, it is important that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Ignoring the symptoms only lead to the issue becoming worse. When you come in for your appointment, we visually examine your mouth signs of tooth damage, decay, and infections. We also take X-rays, which allow us to see issues below the gum line, including abscesses and bone loss. With this examination, we can diagnose an infection and create a customized treatment plan.

A root canal begins with a local anesthetic. A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to isolate it and keep it clean. This is done to prevent contamination during treatment. We drill a small access hole into the top of the infected tooth and use small tools to carefully remove the pulp and the nerve of the tooth. The canals inside the tooth are shaped, and the interior is disinfected. Next, a special material called gutta percha is placed inside. This material helps to seal the canals, preventing the risk for a new infection. Finally, the tooth is provided with a crown, which helps to protect the tooth and restore its strength.

With a root canal, we can save an infected tooth, preventing the need for extraction, and the complications that come with it. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Oak Park Dental at (971) 600-0211 today.
Serving Salem Keizer Community since 1987

We provide dental services for the entire family from children to older adults. Our entire team of caring Doctors, hygienists and support staff pride ourselves on a high level of patient care.

Using the latest in modern dental technology our services range from sealants to complex implant surgery. Our goal is a comfortable experience for our patients with beautiful results.


Smile more :-) Call today

(971) 600-0211


Located in the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley.

Convenient hours
Monday–Friday
7am–5pm
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Salem, OR 97305-2054

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Root Canal Therapy Salem | Salem Dentist | Oak Park Dental
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. A root canal is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Smile more :-) Call today!
Oak Park Dental, 3380 Astoria Way NE, Salem, OR 97305 + (971) 600-0211 + salemsmiles.com + 5/16/2023 + Associated Words: family dentistry Salem OR +