A root canal can save an infected or decaying tooth by removing the infected nerve tissue. The tooth is medicated for a period of time and a root filling is placed to seal the end of the root thereby retaining your tooth which would have otherwise needed to be extracted.  

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Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

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Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

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Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:
 

•  An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.

•  Sensitivity to hot and cold.

•  Severe toothache.

•  Sometimes no symptoms are present.

•  Swelling and/or tenderness.
   

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 does root canal therapy involve?
 

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb an access opening is made on the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening to thoroughly clean it. Once the tooth is cleaned, it will be sealed with a medication and a temporary filling.

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At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

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After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

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You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.