Root Canals

What is a root canal?

Root Canal

To understand root canal, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.


Root Canal

Why would I need a root canal?

A root canal is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, a blow to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abcess.

Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.

How does a root canal save the tooth?

The dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?



Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your dentist.

Root Canals:

Root canals can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:

Root Canal

Root Canal

After the space is cleaned and shaped, the dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
Root Canal

After the final visit with your dentist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
Root Canal

If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or dentist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.
Root Canal

Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?


Most teeth treated by a root canal last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal fails to heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this happens, another root canal can save the tooth.