A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 15 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. By choosing endodontic treatment, you are choosing to keep your natural teeth as a healthy foundation for chewing and biting for years to come.
Root canal treatment is generally necessary when the pulp has been irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay, very deep fillings, cracks, or trauma. In order to preserve a tooth in which this has occurred, it is necessary to remove the inflamed or infected pulp tissue. This procedure is known as ‘a root canal’ or ‘endodontic therapy.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to construct the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.