Root Canal Treatment

Every tooth has two sections: a crown, the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, and one or more roots, which anchor the teeth within the jaw. Each tooth has three basic layers: an outer layer of hard enamel (which protects the crown) or cementum (which covers the root), a middle layer of softer dentin, and inside the center of the tooth, the pulp.

Pulp is living tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It’s found in the pulp chamber within the crown and in the root canals that lead from the pulp chamber to the tip of each root.

When tooth pulp is infected or dying, it can’t be restored. Without prompt treatment, tooth extraction is often necessary. Moreover, an infection in the pulp can spread to the gum tissue, the jawbone, and other parts of the body. A root canal procedure can prevent tooth loss and more widespread infection by removing infected pulp tissue and restoring the integrity of the tooth structure.

What can make root canal treatment necessary?

Even with the protective layers surrounding it, tooth pulp is vulnerable to infection and injury:

  • A deep cavity can extend to the pulp chamber, permitting bacteria to reach the pulp and cause infection.
  • Similarly, a broken or cracked tooth can allow bacteria access to the pulp chamber.
  • With serious gum disease, infection can spread from the gums to the pulp inside the roots.
  • Tooth trauma can critically damage the nerves or the blood vessels inside the tooth, leading to pulp death.

The Root Canal Procedure

root canal treatmentA root canal procedure is relatively straightforward. If you are anxious about the procedure, your dentist can recommend sedations options.

  • First, the area around the tooth is numbed. A dental dam is often placed around the tooth to isolate the area.
  • An opening in the crown is made to allow access to the pulp inside.
  • Small, precise instruments are used to clean the inner pulp chamber and root canals and to remove dead or dying tissue.
  • The area is thoroughly disinfected.
  • The inside of the tooth is shaped to hold a filling.
  • The roots and pulp chamber are filled with gutta-percha or a dental composite and sealed.

A crown is typically used to protect and reinforce the tooth after treatment. A temporary filling or crown will be placed on the tooth to prevent bacteria and food from entering the site while a permanent crown is created. This permanent crown will be placed at a later visit. The entire process usually takes from one to three appointments.

Symptoms of Pulp Infection

A tooth that needs root canal treatment might be symptom-free, but any of these symptoms are strong indications that the pulp has suffered infection or injury:

  • Persistent tooth pain, which can be dull or sharp and severe
  • Pain when chewing or when any pressure is placed on the tooth
  • Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
  • A cracked, broken, darkened, or discolored tooth
  • Gum tissue near the tooth which is sore, red, or swollen
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums that persists or keeps recurring. This is the sign of an abscess, an infection in the gum or bone near the root of the tooth.

A root canal should be performed by an endodontist or a dentist who has special training in treating the interior of the tooth. Call your dentist immediately if you have any symptoms of pulp infection or injury. Prompt endodontic treatment can relieve tooth pain and prevent further infection. And, with proper dental care and regular checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "The staff are always so accommodating and friendly, no waiting and very good and thorough dental work"
    Sherri W.
  • "I rated 10 on the question about referring a friend because I have done so. She went yesterday and I asked her about the experience and she was very pleased. No surprise here!! I have always felt that the people who help me, including Dr. Alpert, treat me and my dental health at a level of attention far above that required to simply do a job. They show a genuine concern about my welfare; I need their help; I am glad they are there. As Dr. Alpert said on my last visit about a potential issue, they will “keep an eye on it” for me. I find that vigilance genuinely re-assuring. Over the years I have have come to appreciate that re-assurance as a form of good medicine."
    Robert W.
  • "Very friendly staff! Dr. Alpert is a very good Dentist. I have been very happy with the quality work he has done on my teeth. I highly recommend him!"
    Martha L.
  • "I had a very good experience there, everyone was very friendly professional and good at what they do. I had a cleaning which was virtually pain free and 2 fillings done in one visit.
    I will be going back to this dentist and would recommend to anyone that I know."
    Harold H.
  • "I have been going to the Dental Care of Waterford for over 50 years. The receptionist(s) are eager to make you feel welcome and relaxed. Becky, the hygienist is caring and efficient.
    Dr. Lloyd Alpert does a thorough exam and addresses any concerns and asks if there is still problems.
    The staff is quick to respond to any concerns their patients have.
    I would highly recommend Dental Care of Waterford, MI."
    Barbara R.
  • "haven't had the ability to see a dentist in over 3 years due to Covid and loss of insurance. Now that i was able to seek dental care i was able to schedule an appointment within 3 days of calling to have a cracked filling taken care of... Staff is amazingly friendly and considerate of any needs and even asked if I had insurance just to make sure I could have X-rays done and not have to pay for my visit with one of my kidneys. Dr. Alpert is wonderful! Explained everything that he was about to do and how it might feel. completely painless and fast visit for a filling nonetheless. I definitely have found my new dental office and can actually say I look forward to my cleaning!"
    Kelly S.
  • "This was my first visit to Dr. Alpert's office. I was referred by a friend. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. I had the most thorough cleaning I think I've ever had. Everyone put you completely at ease. I highly recommend this dentist."
    Karen M.
  • "Ever been in a situation where you have a dental emergency and call about 20 dentist offices trying to get in? I have and Dr. Alpert's office was the only office to get me in within 24 hours. They were able to help me with my shattered tooth problem totally painlessly. Anytime I've been in for a cleaning, the wait has been minimal. The staff is friendly and professional. I'm in and out in no time. I would highly recommend Dr. Alpert to anyone in the area for last-minute needs and cleanings. His offer is a little hard to spot but it is right off M59 and there is ample parking"
    Alexandrea L.