A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. The only alternative treatment option to endodontic therapy is removal of the tooth.
As with most dental therapy, endodontic therapy may someday have to be re-treated.
What does endodontic therapy involve?
Endodontic therapy is usually done in one to two visits. While the tooth is numb, the tooth will be isolated so that the injured nerve and blood supply can be access and removed. The root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and shaped and sealed with a root-filling material.
All teeth that have had endodontic therapy must be protected with a crown (cap) or permanent filling. This is because teeth that have had endodontic therapy are more susceptible to fracture.
