Root canal therapy is recommended when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. The presence of infection in the nerve space of a tooth is termed a dental abscess and often results in a tooth ache. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria and any tooth decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials.  The newly root canaled tooth will require a crown (cap) to seal off the root canal space and provide additional strength and support for the tooth.   

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth can be more costly and causes significant problems for adjacent teeth. An untreated infected tooth can lead to the spread of infection within your body and compromise your overall health, so it is important to treat the infected tooth as soon as possible.   

Root canal treatment is a highly successful treatment option for maintaining your natural dentition, although on occasion, a tooth may require retreatment due to the development of new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure.
• Severe toothache pain.
• Sometimes no symptoms are present.
• Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

• Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
• Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
• Injury or trauma to the tooth.
• The nerve of the tooth has died. 

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and is best performed by an endodontist (a root canal specialist). Most endodontists use  high powered microscopes to better see into the root canal space ensuring that all infection is removed and all canal spaces are accessed. This ensures the overall success of the root canal therapy. Dr Benting works with several endodontists and can confidently refer you for root canal therapy if necessary.   

Many patients associate pain with root canal therapy; however, the source of the tooth pain is a direct result of the presence of infection. Proper pain management techniques allow for a comfortable experience during root canal therapy. 

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling material or, if additional appointments are needed, a medicament will be placed inside the root canal space to fight the presence of infection.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be cleaned, filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling may be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. Again, all teeth that have had root canal treatment should have a new crown placed to properly seal the tooth and provide strength. The crown will protect the tooth, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function. 

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has completely healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.