Root Canal

Save your tooth

If your tooth’s nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, or damaged by trauma, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth.

Inside the hard outer shell of each tooth is a specialized area called the pulp or nerve chamber. The pulp chamber contains a system of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves, the pulp, which enter from the bone through the root canals. This system provides nourishment for the cells within the tooth. Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:

Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

Deep tooth decay or other injury can cause damage to or infection of the tooth pulp. In a root canal or endodontic treatment, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp and replaces it with a special filler which helps maintain the remaining tooth structure.

Post and Core Buildup

What happens after I have root canal?

After a root canal your tooth will be pain free. Since it no longer has a nerve or blood supply it becomes more brittle than a regular tooth and is more prone to breaking. It is recommended a crown be placed to prevent this. In some cases there may not be enough healthly tooth remaining to shape the tooth for a crown. In those cases a post which is like a tiny screw is placed along with a tooth colored buildup. The tooth is then prepared for the ideal shape to fit a porcelain crown. The final restoration is natural looking and your tooth will be protected from fracture.

Extraction

In some cases a tooth cannot be saved. It may be a wisdom tooth that doesn't have room to erupt or a severely damaged tooth. In some cases an implant may be a better long term solution. Your dentist will discuss all treatment options and refer you to an oral surgeon if neccessary.