ROOT CANAL THERAPY

When the nerve of your tooth becomes infected, root canal treatment lets you keep the tooth rather than having to pull it out. Keeping your tooth helps to prevent your other teeth from drifting out of line and causing jaw problems. Saving a natural tooth avoids having to replace it with an artificial tooth.

WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from your tooth. The space inside the hard layers of each tooth is called the root canal system. This system is filled with soft dental pulp made up of nerves and blood vessels that help your tooth grow and develop.

When bacteria (germs) enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, your tooth can become abscessed. An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infection in the pulp. If the pulp becomes infected, it needs to be removed. An abscessed tooth may cause pain/or swelling. Your dentist may notice the infection from a dental x-ray or from other changes within the tooth. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause serious oral health problems.

BENEFITS OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

If the tissue in your tooth becomes infected or inflamed, this can lead to a severe toothache and throbbing sensation. Root canal treatment can help relieve painful symptoms such as severe tooth pain and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Treatment can also preserve your existing natural teeth, and limit the need for more invasive and time-consuming dental work in the future.  By removing bacteria and decay from the interior of the tooth, your dentist can help stop the spread of infection and repair the healthy portion of your tooth. 

Most patients who come in for root canals experience little pain or discomfort, and enjoy all the benefits of a restored tooth. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal therapy can last a lifetime.