Routine care

Root canal therapies . . .

Natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime.

Even if one of your teeth becomes injured or diseased, often it can be saved through a specialized dental procedure known as root canal (endodontic) treatment.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment usually involves the removal of the tooth's pulp, a small thread-like tissue that contains the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue of the tooth.

When the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, it loses its vitality. The most common causes of pulp disease are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or traumatic injury to the tooth. If not treated, an abscess can form at the end of the root, resulting in pain and swelling. Even if there is no pain, certain substances released by bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth in the jaw. Years ago, diseased or injured teeth were often extracted. Today, even if the pulp of one of your teeth becomes injured or infected, it often can be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment.

Why couldn't you just remove the tooth?

There are many disadvantages to losing a natural tooth. When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the adjacent teeth may begin to shift from their normal position. This may cause the teeth to become crooked or crowded, with decreased biting and chewing efficiency. Crowded or crooked teeth may be more prone to gum disease because they are harder to keep clean than properly aligned teeth. A replacement tooth (an implant or bridge) is usually more expensive than endodontic treatment and can involve more extensive dental procedures on adjacent teeth.

What does treatment involve?

Treatment usually involves from one to three visits. During treatment, we remove the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) are then cleaned, shaped, filled and sealed off from the bone surrounding the root. In case of considerable tooth structure loss, a metal or plastic rod or post may be placed in the root canal for structural support, and a crown is usually placed over the tooth to stabilize it.

What material will be used for the crown?

Crowns are made from a number of materials. We primarily use porcelain or porcelain over gold so that a bright, natural smile is maintained.

How long will the restored tooth last?

As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth is nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth can remain healthy. However, the tooth could still become decayed, so good oral hygiene at home and regular dental exams are necessary to help prevent both tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.