What is Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy (or endodontics) is required when an injury or large cavity damages the tooth's root. The root becomes infected or inflamed. 

You may need Root Canal Therapy if you have....

• Intense tooth pain
• Severe toot sensitivity
• Traumatic injury
• Tooth discoloration
• Swollen or tender gums
• A recurring abscess on the gum line
• A crack in a filling 

Root Canal Therapy Process

Root Canal Therapy can often be performed in one or two appointments, and involves the following steps:

1. The tooth is numbed by your dentist. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber
2. Dental files are used to clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of the canals.
3. The canals are filled with a permanent material. This help keep the canals free of infections or contamination. 
4. The tooth then needs to be restored with a crown to protect the tooth and restore it to full function

At ABC Dental, most root canal therapy can be completed in one appointment with our latest, state of the art, rotary endodontic equipment. 

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

• Saves your natural tooth

• Less expensive long term option vs alternatives of having the tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant or bridge
• protects other teeth from excessive wear or stain
• Improves appearance of your tooth
• Efficient Chewing
• Less treatment time involved vs alternatives of having tooth extracted and replaced with dental implant or bridge. 

What if Root Canal Therapy is not completed?

Unfinished root canal treatment can lead to further complications down the road. Importantly, the tooth that has been treated with root canal therpay should be restored with a crown to protect the tooth. You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until it has been restored. If the tooth remains uncrowned, it can break easily, and may eventually have to be extracted altogether.