Endodontic literally means dentistry within the tooth itself. The procedure deals with the nerve of the tooth, which is housed in the pulp chamber and in the canal within the root. A root canal is performed when the nerve is too diseased to be saved and must be removed. Pulp disease usually means that one will lose the tooth unless something is done to save it. Root canal therapy involves replacing the diseased or dead pulp with a substance that will help preserve the function of the tooth. Modern techniques have made this tooth-saving procedure much more acceptable than in the past.

There are many reasons that a root canal may be needed. The most common cause is the carious process (the uncontrolled process of tooth decay). When tooth decay begins, it penetrates the outer layer of enamel and creates a cavity. If that process is not stopped, the decay will continue toward the nerve of the tooth. Sometimes a tooth will become infected from within, causing an infection and/or abscess that can be terribly painful. In addition to pain, other symptoms include swelling, tenderness, or pain while chewing. Infection may affect underlying bone, in which case the affected area must be treated with antibiotics and may need time to drain before the root canal therapy can proceed.

Sometimes trauma (injury) to the tooth will injure the nerve. Such injury can be caused by an automobile accident, a blow to the mouth, or when a tooth cracks or breaks spontaneously while eating.

The dentist will thoroughly examine the tooth that is causing problems and will test it in various ways (including X-ray examination) to determine whether or not the pulp tissue is diseased. When the decision for root canal therapy has been made, the dentist will gain access to the pulp chamber of the tooth, much like filling a cavity. The diseased pulp will be removed while leaving the canal intact. The canal will be flushed out with special solutions before a medication is placed within. In some cases we are able to complete your root canal in one appointment, however if another appointment is needed a temporary filling will be placed until we can get you back to complete your root canal. At the completion of a root canal our office will schedule a follow up appointment to put a final cast restoration on your prepared tooth.

Root canal therapy has a very high rate of success (more than 90%), but there are cases where the tooth is too damaged to save or where continued infection requires additional treatment, possibly even extraction of the tooth.

Root canal therapy may seem like a lot of trouble but keep in mind that your "bite" is very complex, and when a tooth is lost it affects the manner in which your entire set of teeth fits together (occlusion). A replacement, such as a bridge, is usually needed to compensate for the function of the lost tooth so problems of occlusion will be minimized. No replacement is a good as your natural tooth, so every attempt should be made to save it.
Remember, a root canal is done to save your tooth. To make sure that its effectiveness is long lasting, regular visits to your dentist are extremely important. Working together, you and your dentist can maintain the best possible dental care!