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Root Canal Therapy 

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Years ago, diseased or damaged teeth were routinely removed. Today, with modern dental techniques we are able to save abcessed and severely damaged teeth. One of the most common approaches to saving teeth is called Root Canal Therapy also known as Endodontic Treatment.

Endodontics is necessary when the pulp also known as the nerve, which contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth, is severely diseased or damaged. The disease or damage may be caused by a number of situations.

• Bacteria from a deep cavity can enter the pulp and cause infection
• The tooth may be injured in such a way that the blood supply is ruptured or the nerve damaged
• A fracture of the tooth itself, which exposes the pulp to bacteria normally found in the mouth.
• Gum (periodontal) disease so severe that it causes infection of the pulp, too.

All of these conditions can cause severe toothaches. Deterioration of the pulp may happen so gradually that it is nearly painless. When the situation exists, the tooth should be treated by root canal therapy, or it will be lost.

The first step is to remove the pulp tissue and carefully clean the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done through a small opening in the crown of the tooth. (If you are experiencing severe pain from the tooth, this will usually provide dramatic relief.) We may at times prescribe an antibiotic to help control the infection. Except is the case of severe infection the root canal can be completed in one appointment the day the tooth is opened.

If a cyst or large area of infection is present at the tip of the root, it may be necessary to remove it surgically through a procedure called periapical surgery (or apicoectomy).

A filling is placed the inside of the tooth and canals to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth. Once this is completed, the tooth should be restored and strengthened with a crown.