Root Canal

Root Canal

Root Canal Treatment is a procedure wherein the nerve canal of a tooth is cleaned of bacteria and sealed with special material to prevent bacteria from settling inside the canal.  The goal of a Root Canal Treatment is to allow one to retain a “dead” tooth in the mouth without symptoms.  When a deep cavity forms in a tooth, it may extend deep enough to reach the nerve of the tooth and lead to a bacterial infection of the nerve.  Trauma to a tooth may have a similar effect.  When the nerve inside the tooth is dead, the nerve canal can get infected with bacteria leading to painful infection called an Abscess.

During an examination, the dentist may determine that the nerve inside your tooth is infected, dead or dying.  In such cases, a Root Canal Treatment may be recommended to save the tooth.  The alternative to saving the tooth in such cases is most likely an extraction of the tooth.  Extractions should be viewed as a last resort since they lead to loss of chewing efficiency and, potentially, a host of other complications such as cosmetic problems, shifting of teeth and altered bite.  If the tooth is deemed restorable, we would almost always recommend trying to keep it in the mouth for as long as possible.  There’s nothing quite like your own tooth.  We strive to educate and advise you of all options pertaining to a Root Canal Treatment so that you can make the best choice given the circumstances.