Root Canals

As much as possible, we will help our patients retain every one of their teeth. One of the ways we can do this is with root canal therapy. This therapy is used when a tooth has been injured, fractured, deeply decayed or infected. An infected tooth may be able to be preserved with a root canal once the infection is cleared up with treatment and antibiotics. 

The “canal” in root canals refers to the channel in the middle of the tooth that holds its soft tissue and blood and nerve supply. When infection invades this part of the tooth, this inner tissue is no longer viable. During a root canal, we will clean this soft tissue out and sterilize the inner part of the tooth. We then fill the canal with sterile material. The top of the tooth is then closed up. This tooth will become brittle and we therefore recommend a crown so it can be protected and retained for many more years.