Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) occurs when a cavity is allowed to reach all the way to the nerve of the tooth (pulp). Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect these problems early so that we can avoid root canals. Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point that it needs root canal therapy. Once this occurs, the pulp becomes infected and can even extend through the root tip and begin to erode away at the surrounding bone. This is an abscess. By the time the pulp is infected, it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous and could be very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until their checkup.

A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled to prevent any further infection. The tooth becomes weak and brittle after root canal treatment. Usually a core build-up and crown are recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy for strength. The only other treatment to remove the infection process would be to extract the tooth.