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Root Canal Therapy

What's in a tooth?

Inside of each tooth is what is called the "pulp". The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the top, or "crown" of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws. Pulp is like a thread that runs down through the tooth root. If it becomes diseased or gets injured, the tissue dies. If you don't remove the dead pulp tissue, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it.

What happens when the pulp gets injured?

When the pulp gets injured through tooth decay it's called an abscess. When the pulp is diseased or injured and can't repair itself, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems allow germs -- bacteria -- to enter the pulp, often causing an infection. Left untreated, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth. This is where root canal therapy may be able to save the tooth by removing the pulp and sealing off the “canal” to prevent future infection.

Why does the pulp need to be removed?

There could be severe pain and swelling if the infected pulp is not removed. Substances found in the infection can injure your jaw bones. Extracting the tooth may be the only alternative if the infection goes too far.

Will there be a lot of pain with root canal therapy?

For most people, a root canal therapy is a simple procedure and causes little or no discomfort.

What happens when you do root canal therapy?

• After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal -- the narrow passageway through the tooth that contained the root -- is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a dental crown over the tooth to help make it stronger. Depending on the tooth involved you may have more than one root canal. Root canal therapy may involve from one to three visits. Medications may be applied to the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help fight bacteria and other germs.
• A temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits.
• Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
• When the temporary filling is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and filled again. In this final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth.

How long does root canal therapy last?

Your restored tooth could last all your life if you care for your teeth and gums. Regular checkups are absolutely necessary to maintain proper health.