Root Canal Therapy

If the nerve within your tooth becomes infected, successful root canal treatment can keep you from losing the tooth while treating the infection before it causes complications.

Despite its reputation, a root canal can be no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled, though the procedure is more complex. It is the removal of infected or dead pulp (the inner nerves and blood vessels) from inside the tooth, and the filling and sealing of the nerve space.

The pulp in a tooth can become infected most commonly from a very deep cavity or trauma.  An infected tooth causes discomfort in the form of a severe toothache, throbbing pain, hot sensitivity or gum swelling.  When a tooth reaches this point, the only way to keep it is through root canal (endodontic) treatment.

The dentist begins by applying local anesthesia and isolating the area with a rubber dam. Then they drill an opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp, and remove it and clean the area with specialized tools. The dentist fills the root space with a filling material. Finally the dentist must seal the surface of the tooth with a filling and crown to prevent further infection and restore the function and appearance of the tooth.

Root canal treatment is typically performed in one to two visits.