Root Canal Services

When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to a deep cavity or fracture, the blood supply to the tooth may be lost, and the tooth pulp may die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and activity in the tooth’s cells. Pressure may build within a tooth that cannot be relieved, causing pain commonly felt when biting down, chewing, or consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.

The pulp of your tooth may become infected or inflamed due to a fracture or deep cavity. This may stop the blood supply to the tooth, and the pulp may die. Dead or damaged pulp causes an increased flow of blood in the tooth's cells. The pressure built within the tooth cannot be relieved, causing pain while chewing and biting.

Without treatment, the infection will spread, and the bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, possibly causing the tooth to fall out. The pain usually worsens until you are forced to seek dental attention.

Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the damaged or dead pulp. The canal is reshaped and filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed.

If your general dentist recommends a root canal, he or she will perform the treatment or refer you for treatment to an endodontist, a specialist who treats injuries, diseases, and infections of the tooth pulp.

A space is created in the tooth’s pulp chamber, which, along with any infected root canal, is cleaned of all diseased pulp and reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to fight bacteria. Depending on the tooth condition, the crown may then be sealed temporarily to guard against recontamination, or the dentist may immediately fill the canals.

Temporary fillings are usually removed, and the pulp chamber and canals are filled on the next visit. If the tooth is still weak, a post may be inserted above the canal filling to help rebuild the tooth. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed. Finally, a gold or porcelain crown is normally placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve its appearance.

There may be some inflammation around the gum tissues, which may cause discomfort for a few days. This can be controlled by an over-the-counter pain reliever. A follow-up visit to your dentist will help him or her review how the tissue is healing. From this point on, brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, and see your dentist regularly for cleanings and examinations.

The only alternative to root canal therapy is to extract the tooth; however, this alone can cause the surrounding teeth to move, resulting in a bad bite. Though a simple extraction may be perceived as less expensive, the space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which ultimately can be more costly than root canal therapy.