Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)

Endodontic therapy, otherwise known as root canal therapy, may be necessary to save a tooth.

Root canals may be needed to save:

• A severely broken or cracked tooth.
• A decayed tooth where the cavity has gone into the pulp or is very close.
• An injured tooth, or a tooth that had a large old filling with cracks and decay present.
• An abscessed tooth will also need a root canal to be saved.

The diseased pulp (inner material of the tooth) is removed and disinfected. A material is used to fill the canals of the root and the tooth is restored with a crown.

Root canals are a common dental procedure and the dentist will advise if a root canal is necessary to save your tooth. Hypersensitive teeth may need root canals to be restored properly. The dentist will anesthetize your tooth before the root canal procedure. A small opening is prepared in the top of the tooth or back of the front tooth to access the pulp or nerve of the tooth. Most patients are relieved after root canals, especially if the nerve was infected or irritated prior to the procedure.