Root Canals

Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root. All teeth have between one and four root canals. 

Many tooth pain problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems; toothache and sensitivity are some of the first indications of a problem; but inside, a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, leading to an abscess.

Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth.

Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the visit, diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped and are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. Usually a Root Canaled tooth will need a crown due to being brittle as a non vital tooth. Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as it’s healthy original.