Root Canal Treatment

Expert Care for Your Root Canal

Root canal treatment should be performed by an endodontist or a dentist with specialized training in treating the inside of the tooth. If you experience any symptoms of pulp infection or injury, contact your dentist immediately. Quick intervention can relieve pain, prevent further complications, and save your natural tooth. A treated tooth can remain healthy for a lifetime with proper care and regular dental checkups.

Why Might Root Canal Treatment Be Necessary?

Even with protective enamel and cementum, tooth pulp can still become infected or damaged due to the following:

• Deep cavities that reach the pulp chamber allow bacteria to invade and cause infection
• Cracked or broken teeth provide a path for bacteria to enter the pulp
• Serious gum disease can spread infection from the gums to the pulp
• Tooth trauma can damage nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth, leading to pulp death

Steps of the Root Canal Procedure

Most root canal treatments are completed in one to three appointments, depending on the tooth's condition. Here’s what to expect:

Numbing the Area

The dentist will apply local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is pain-free. A dental dam may be used to isolate the tooth.

Accessing the Pulp

An opening is made in the crown to reach the pulp chamber.

Cleaning and Removal

Small, precise instruments are used to clean the pulp chamber and root canals, removing dead or infected tissue.

Disinfection

The area is disinfected thoroughly to eliminate bacteria.

Shaping and Filling

The empty canals are shaped and filled with gutta-percha or a dental composite, then sealed to prevent reinfection.

Final Restoration

Typically, a crown is placed to protect and strengthen the treated tooth. A temporary filling or crown may be used initially until the permanent crown is ready for placement in a follow-up visit.