Root Canal

Therapy

Root canal treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is a treatment that allows us to treat the inside of the tooth while preserving the natural tooth itself. A root canal might be necessary when an untreated cavity reaches all the way into the pulp deep inside the root of the tooth, which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If we don’t remove it, the tooth gets infected.

Treatment may also be needed when deep restorations or trauma to a tooth cause nerve damage. Symptoms that indicate 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. However, sometimes there are no symptoms and you may be unaware of any problem until a checkup.

After we remove the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then we place a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!