Endodontics or Root Canals is the treatment of a tooth that has a diseased or injured pulp.

The dental pulp inside a tooth contains nerves and blood vessels that allow the tooth to stay alive and healthy. The pulp travels from the top of the tooth down through the root, where it meets the bone.

When the pulp of the tooth becomes injured or diseased, an abscess or infection may form. Common causes of an abscess are a cracked tooth, a broken tooth, tooth decay or trauma. When these injuries are severe enough, the tooth is unable to repair itself and will die. A bacterium begins to grow, which causes the abscess to form inside the tooth and in the surrounding bone. If left untreated, the infection will destroy the bone around the infected tooth and may even cause harm to other teeth in the area.

Common signs that a tooth may need a root canal are severe sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, a bump on the gums that does not go away, or pain that is constant and not well controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers.

It is a common misconception that a root canal is a painful procedure. Actually, it is similar to having a cavity filled, producing very little pain.

A root canal is a fairly simple procedure. First, an opening is made through the top of the tooth. Next, the diseased pulp and bacteria are thoroughly cleaned out of the tooth. Finally, the canals are filled and sealed with a material called gutta percha. A temporary filling may be placed to make sure the tooth responds well to the root canal treatment. The tooth will then be permanently restored with a filling and a crown. After a tooth has had a root canal, a crown is usually recommended. A tooth without an active blood supply will become brittle and the crown will help prevent the tooth from fracturing.

The good news is you should be able to keep your tooth for a lifetime with good home care and regular check-ups.

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