Root Canal therapy, or endodontics, is the process of removing the diseased nerve from the root canal of a tooth.  A root canal therapy is often necessary to save an infected tooth.  Ignoring infection in a tooth for a long time as in a dental abscess cause unwanted complications.  Therefore, it is advisable to remove the infection through removal of the infected root canal tissues including the nerve and restoring the tooth to a near original form.

The first step of the root canal therapy procedure is to anesthetize the effected area.  Then an access point through the top or biting surface of the tooth is made.  The dentist then determines a working length of each canal.  Each canal is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material.  Once each canal is prepared, and sterilized internally it is filled with an inert material called gutta percha.  The canals are then sealed.  The tooth is now ready for a restoration, which is usually a crown.  This entire procedure is often completed in one, two or three visits.

Why do I need a root canal?

There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the pulp (nerve), a trauma to the tooth that exposes the pulp, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the inner contents of the tooth.

Signs/Symptoms

• Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.
• Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth.
• Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth.
• Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night.
• A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood.
• Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another.

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