If your tooth's nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth.
Deep tooth decay, or an injury, can cause serious damage and infection to the pulp, nerves and vessels. Root canal, or endodontic, treatment cleans out the infected pulp chamber and repairs the damage.
Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:
Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.
Procedure
Step 1
After the tooth is anesthetized, an opening is made though the crown into the pulp chamber.
Step 2
The length of the root
canals is determined.
Step 3
Unhealthy pulp is removed. Canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
Step 4
Canals are filled and sealed. Sometimes a post may be added for structural support or to retain restorative materials.
Step 5
The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. Usually a crown adds further protection.
The material used to fill your root canal will probably last a lifetime, but eventually the filling or crown may need to be replaced.
