What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root Canal Therapy (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (pulp) of the tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. In 95% of these cases today, however, this is no longer true. We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing them) and we will make every effort to save yours.

Why do I need a Root Canal?

There are several reasons: The most important are:

Trauma: A physical blow to a tooth or constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.

Physical irritation: Deep decay or a very large filling.

Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and an abscess (infection) occurs. Bacteria from your saliva grows within the tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain. In some cases the face may swell. Eventually the pulp dies, causing the bone around the tooth to be destroyed.

What's going to happen?

Once it has been determined (with X-rays and clinical examination) that root canal treatment is necessary, you will be scheduled for one or more appointments. It is important that you keep these appointments, in order to prevent delays in treatment and healing. It is also essential that you take all antibotics and medications prescribed to you to hasten healing and reduce swelling. Should you experience pain that cannot be controlled with prescribed medication (this is unusual) call our office immediately.

Here is how your tooth can be saved without endodontic treatment:

An opening is made through the crown into the pulp. We then carefully remove the diseased pulp. The root canal area inside your tooth is cleaned, enlarged and shaped. Then, depending on your individual case, the root canal(s) and pulp chamber may be permanently filled and sealed. In some cases, we place a temporary medication in the tooth to control bacterial growth and reduce infection.

A temporary filling is placed in the opening of the tooth until the next visit. In some cases, however, the tooth may be left open. This allows the infection to drain.

At the next appointment we sterilize the inside of the tooth to remove the bacteria. Throughout the root canal procedure, we take x-rays to ensure that all of the infected pulp is removed and that all the walls inside the canal are smooth.

The root canal and pulp chamber are permanently filled and sealed.

Finally, the tooth is fully restored to chewing function. This can be done with a filling or a crown. If there is not enough tooth to hold a filling, a crown would be your option. After a root canal, the tooth becomes brittle and is more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, we recommend that your root canal tooth be crowned following treatment. The final restoration filling or crown is not included in the price of the root canal. The final restoration should be done within 10 days to two weeks after treatment to ensure that success of preserving the tooth is achieved.

If you have further questions

Throughout your root canal treatment you may have questions or concerns not covered here. We will make every effort to ensure your comfort. And we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Our concern is your comfort and confidence. Our goal is to help preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime.