Root Canal Therapy

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures available, with well over 14 million being performed every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridgesAt the center of your tooth is the pulp, which contains the nerve and the blood vessels that nourish the tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, fractures and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the area around the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.

How is root canal therapy performed?

If you experience any of these symptoms, non-surgical treatment will likely be recommended to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Root canal therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases.

If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. Please note, however, that it is rare for patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment has been completed.