Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Root canal therapy usually takes one or two visits depending on severity of the infection. The inflamed or infected pulp was removed, the root canal(s) are carefully cleaned and shaped and then filled with rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.”.  Afterwards, a crown will be needed to placed on the tooth to protect the tooth and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

Root canal therapy procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal therapy is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, you need to call us immediately.