Root Canals

Millions of patients benefit from root canals every year.

The procedure is very effective at preventing tooth loss. In order to understand how root canals work, it’s helpful to know a few basic points about tooth anatomy. Inside the tooth, under a hard layer called dentin, there is a soft tissue called pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that help grow the root of your teeth. Once your teeth are fully developed, they can survive without pulp because they are nourished by surrounding tissues.

Endodontic treatment becomes necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This infection can happen for a variety of reasons, including deep decay, bad crowns, repeated dental procedures, or a crack in the tooth. Another common cause of pulp damage can be tooth trauma; for example, getting hit in the face during a sporting event. If this damage is left untreated, it can be extremely painful and an abscess (pus accumulation) can build in your teeth or gums. A root canal prevents tooth loss and results in a healthy and pain-free tooth.

Root canals remove the infected pulp and clean the inside of the tooth. The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then restored with a crown or filling to prevent future problems.

Saving your natural teeth means more
than having a more natural experience

Other advantages include:

• Efficient chewing
• Protecting other teeth from excessive wear
• Normal biting sensation
• Cost savings

Root canals help you keep your natural smile, and allow you to eat, laugh, and talk without the hindrance and pain of infection. After you’ve received a root canal, you can count on your teeth lasting as long as your other teeth, and they will often last for a lifetime.