Root canal therapy is necessary when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay, trauma or infection.  Once the nerve (pulp) of the tooth is infected it must be treated and cannot heal on its own. In order to save the tooth, a root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth.  Once the infection is resolved the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. The only other treatment option for an infected tooth is to have it removed (estracted).

Having a root canal is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth couldl ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful  and 90 to 95% may allow a tooth to last a  lifetime. Usually a crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Sensitivity to cold and , perhaps, hot
• Severe toothache pain.
• Pain with biting or pressure.
• Swelling and/or tenderness.
• Sometimes no symptoms are present

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
• Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
• Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a general dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with a medicated filling.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, most teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treated tooth.