Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order, to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed. The resulting space is filled with special, medicated dental materials which restore the tooth to full function.

The treatment of choice to save a tooth that would die and have to be removed is a root canal. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution. However, patients should know that extracting (pulling) a tooth will be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth. Root canal treatment has a high success rate and lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Severe toothache pain.
• Sometimes no symptoms are present.
• Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
• Infection or abscess have 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. The procedure can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and saliva free. An access opening is made on top of the tooth then 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 will be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with a permanent filling or if additional appointments are needed a temporary filling will be placed. At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to c

opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect and prevent the tooth from breaking while restoring it to its full function.

After treatment, the tooth may still be sensitive but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes when the tooth has healed. You will be given care instructions after each root canal appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.