Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is necessary when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. To save the tooth, the pulp (living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed, and the resulting space is filled with special medicated dental materials to restore the tooth’s function.

Root canal treatment is the preferred method to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Extracting a tooth can be more costly in the long term and may cause problems for adjacent teeth. Root canal therapy is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, though occasionally retreatment may be required.

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Signs and Symptoms Indicating Possible Root Canal Therapy

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Severe toothache pain
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present
  • Swelling and/or tenderness

Reasons for Root Canal Therapy

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp
  • Infection or abscess inside the tooth or at the root tip
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth

What Root Canal Therapy Involves

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

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam is placed around it to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth, and root canal files are used to remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. Any decay present is also removed.

Once cleaned, the tooth is sealed with either a permanent filling or a temporary filling if additional appointments are needed. At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and internal cavity are filled and sealed with special dental materials. A crown is typically placed on the treated tooth to protect it from breaking and restore full function.

After treatment, the tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation decreases and the tooth heals.

You will receive care instructions after each appointment. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help maintain the longevity of your root canal treatment.