Root Canal Therapy

Your teeth can last a lifetime!  Even if one of your teeth becomes injured or decayed, it can often be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment.

What is root canal therapy?
When the pulp (a small thread-like tissue inside your teeth) of one of your teeth becomes infected, we can remove it by doing a root canal.  Once removed, it is replaced with materials that seal off the root canal from its supporting structures.

What happens when the pulp gets injured?
If it is not removed, the tissues surrounding the tooth can become infected.  Even if there is no pain associated with this infection, certain substances released by bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth to the jaw.  Without treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.

What advantages does root canal therapy have over the simple removal of the diseased tooth?
When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the adjacent teeth may begin to shift from their normal position.  Teeth can drift into unoccupied areas, compromising the proper functioning of your bite and putting your long-term oral health at risk.  Such movement can change your bite and create spaces where food is easily trapped, leading to bad breath, decay, periodontal disease, and bone loss.

What does treatment involve?
Treatment usually involves one to three visits.  First, the diseased pulp is removed, then the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, shaped, filled, and sealed off.  When much of the tooth has been lost to disease, a metal or plastic rod or post may be placed in the canal for structural support, and a crown is usually placed over the tooth.

Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene through proper home care and regular dental hygiene visits to ensure the health and life of all of your teeth!