Root Canals
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Office Hours
Monday – Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: By Appointment
Thursday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the inner pulp of a tooth that has become infected. The inner pulp is in the center of your tooth and contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth, and can cause pain and infection when exposed. This procedure saves the overall structure of the tooth, preventing it from being extracted.

Why would you need a Root Canal?
Most often, our patients will need a root canal if they have tooth decay that has been ignored and allowed to get to the inner pulp, or nerve, of the tooth. In other instances, a crack, fracture, or break may expose the pulp, causing severe pain and intense sensitivity. In either case, a root canal is necessary in removing the pulp and eliminating the discomfort that goes along with it. The procedure will help to save the tooth from being removed entirely.

I highly recommend family dental in Biddeford, me. I’ve always been very nervous about going to get dental work done. Here it’s been a pleasant and pain free experience.
Marsha Wihbey
What makes you a good candidate for a Root Canal?
To determine if you will need a root canal, you will come into our office and have an exam and an x-ray. This will allow our doctors to determine if the pulp has been infected or exposed and will need to be removed. The procedure is ideal for children and adults, as it retains the integrity and structure of the actual tooth. Root canals are incredibly common, help save teeth, and provide patients with a healthier, fuller smile.

What happens during the procedure for a Root Canal?
After administering the local anesthesia, the pulp, or nerve, is then removed completely and the long canals of the tooth are cleaned with specialized instruments and tools. The canals are filled with a specialty medicated material, and then the hole that was made in the tooth is filled.
If you think you may need a root canal or want to know more about this procedure, call us today and speak with one of our friendly staff members who can help answer your questions.
