Root Canal Treatment

When is a root canal treatment necessary?

A root canal treatment is necessary when the soft webbing inside the tooth gets infected, dies, or is in danger if these things occurring. The most common cause if this is tooth decay, tooth chipping, heat, or chemical damage.

During the process the live webbing within the tooth dies off, so the root’s inner part needs to be completely cleaned out and a filling must be performed. We call this process a root canal. Without treatment, the infected tooth dies off, and later chronic infection, cysts, or nodules can develop on it.

A properly done root canal can help avoid pain and later infection, and spreading infection!

How does a root canal happen?

During a root canal, we widen the canals of the tooth, dispose of the live or dead soft tissues, disinfect the inside of the root, and seal it with a temporary filling, and if necessary, we prescribe antibiotics. The final root filling in only put in place if the tooth remains problematic. During the days after the treatment, pressure sensitivity can increase but this does not indicate an unsuccessful procedure. Even despite exceptionally precise an detailed work, the treatment can lead to uncertainty.

Despite past negative reputation and experiences, root canals can be performed painlessly, thanks to our modern anesthetics!

How can we extend the lifespan of a tooth with a root canal?

Teeth with large fillings should be secured with a root pin or protected with a crown because teeth with root canals are “lifeless” and they can become fragile with time. With careful maintenance and regular checkups, they can last many years.