Root Canals

Root Canal Therapy

In the past, a tooth with a diseased nerve often had to be removed. Today, with a procedure called root canal treatment, it is often possible to save the natural tooth.

Each tooth contains a hollow space filled with soft tissue known as the pulp. The pulp is the remaining tissue from tooth development and includes nerves and blood vessels that help nourish the tooth.

When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp and cause infection. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the root tip and surrounding jawbone, leading to a buildup of pus called an abscess. This can result in pain, swelling, and damage to surrounding bone and tissue. In some cases, the infection may also impact overall oral health.

To eliminate the infection, the diseased pulp must be removed. This can be done through root canal therapy, which preserves the tooth, or by removing the tooth entirely if it cannot be saved. After root canal treatment, the tooth typically needs a crown to restore its strength, function, and long-term protection.