Root Canal (Endodontic Therapy)

A root canal is a procedure that removes the soft tissue, on the inside of a tooth, then seals the canals of that tooth.

Need: There are many reasons why a root canal may be needed for a tooth. Usually the need arises when the pulp chamber as been exposed to bacteria and an infection has begun. The following items may be reasons why a root canal would be diagnosed:

• Decay has progressed into the pulp chamber (nerve center).
• There is a fracture that resulted in the nerve of the tooth being exposed.
• There is a lesion (infection) at the apex or end of a tooth that was found on X-Ray.

Treatment appointments:  A root canal is done in either one, two or three appointments. The first goal is to remove the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth. If the conditions allow, the canals can be sealed at that time, if not another appointment would be necessary.

Future Treatment: Usually a tooth that has had a root canal will require some type of restorative treatment. What type depends upon how strong the tooth is, esthetics and function.

Prognosis: A tooth treated with a root canal has a high likelihood of long term function. However, the degree of tooth or bone lose that made the root canal necessary can decrease the length of time the tooth will be serviceable.

Alternatives: The only alternative to a root canal is an extraction.