Root canal therapy is done when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the decay and infected tissue inside the tooth is removed, and the resulting space is cleaned, shaped, disinfected and filled with a medicated sealer. Once the infection is gone, the tooth can be filled or crowned to strengthen it and return it to nomal function.

Root canal treatment is the only way  to save a tooth that otherwise would have to be removed because of infection.  We will help you carefully consider all treatment options for an infected tooth. While it may seem that removing such a tooth is a simpler solution, this can create future problems that are harder and more costly to solve.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on rare occasions, a tooth will have to be retreated due to a recurrent infection.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Sensitivity to hot, cold and biting.
• Severe toothache pain.
• Evidence of infection on an x-ray.
• Swelling and/or tenderness to the touch.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
• Infection or abscess has 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 dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An opening is made on top of the tooth to get to the infected nerve 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 is also removed at this time.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth are  filled with a special sealer.  (Occasionally in cases of severe infection, the final sealer will be postponed for a week or so to better control the infection.) A temporary filling is placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. and plans are made to permanently restore the tooth with a filling or a crown. 

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive for some time. This sensitivity will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the bone around the tooth heals.