Root Canals

Root Canal Therapy: Preserving Your Tooth from the Inside Out

Root canal therapy becomes necessary when a tooth’s nerve is compromised by decay or infection. To save the tooth, the pulp (living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed. The resulting space is then filled with special, medicated dental materials, restoring the tooth to its full function.

Opting for a root canal is the preferred treatment to preserve a tooth that would otherwise die and need extraction. Many patients think that removing a problematic tooth is the best solution, but they may not realize that extraction can be more costly and lead to significant issues for the surrounding teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and typically lasts a lifetime, although occasionally, a tooth may require retreatment due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal therapy include:

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

Reasons for root canal therapy include:

• 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 is involved in root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy typically requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist (a root canal specialist).

During the procedure, the tooth is numbed, and a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) is placed around it to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on the top of the tooth, and a series of root canal files are inserted into the opening one at a time to remove the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. Any present tooth decay is also removed using special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are necessary, a temporary filling.

At the subsequent appointment, typically about a week later, the roots and inner cavity of the tooth are filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling is placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. Additionally, all teeth that have undergone root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This protects the tooth, prevents it from breaking, and restores its full function.

After the treatment, the tooth may remain sensitive for a while as inflammation diminishes and the tooth heals.

You will receive care instructions after each appointment. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will support the longevity of your root canal treatment.