Root canal therapy

If the nerve of your tooth is decayed or infected, you will need a root canal. In the interest of saving the tooth, the living tissue or pulp inside it is removed. So are the nerves. All bacteria and decay are cleaned out. The space that is left is filled in with dental materials that have been medicated. This treatment restores the tooth back to full functionality.

A root canal is the treatment of choice that is used to save a tooth that would otherwise die and need extraction. It may seem that a bad tooth should just be pulled, but actually, this can cause a lot of problems for the surrounding teeth. Root canal treatment is extremely successful, normally lasting throughout the lifetime of the individual, although once in awhile retreatment may become necessary for new infections.

Signs and symptoms indicating root canal therapy may be needed:


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

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 is involved in root canal therapy?

Endodontists (root canal specialists) and regular dentists can perform root canal surgery. It requires one or more appointments to complete the procedure.

When the tooth is numbed, a piece of rubber (known as a rubber dam) will be wrapped around the tooth so it can stay dry free of saliva. The top of the tooth is opened up for access and several root canal files are put in, one at a time in the opening, taking out the pulp, nerve tissue, as well as the bacteria. Special dental instruments will also be utilized to remove all tooth decay.

When your tooth has been cleaned thoroughly, a permanent or temporary filling will be placed, depending upon whether you will need more appointments or not.

The next appointment is normally scheduled to take place a week after the first dental proceedure. At that time, special dental materials will be used to fill and seal the roots and interior of the tooth. In order to cover the tooth's top opening, there will be the placement of a filling. A crown or cap should also be applied to any tooth that has had root canal treatment. Doing this will restore the tooth to its full function while protecting it and preventing it from breaking.

Once the treatment has been completed, your tooth may still be sensitive, but as the inflammation decreases and the tooth heals, the sensitivity will diminish.

Following every appointment, you will receive care instructions. Excellent oral hygiene habits and going to the dentist regularly will benefit the results of your root canal treatment.