Root Canals (Endodontics)
If a tooth is badly damaged or infected, a root canal treatment is an alternative to removing the tooth completely. In a root canal, the damaged area is removed, cleaned, and disinfected. It’s then filled, resealed and topped with a crown for protection.
What makes a root canal necessary?
Common reasons that the pulp of the tooth might get infected to the point where a root canal is necessary would be a severe crack, a deep cavity or infection, repeated dental treatment, or unforeseen trauma to the tooth.
Where did the name come from?
A root canal is essentially cleaning and removing the canals of the tooth’s root to remove the infection and help protect the tooth from further damage.
Why do root canals have such a bad reputation?
Before recent advances in dental practice and local anesthetics, root canal treatments could be very painful. But today, most patients experience little to zero pain. Our goal is to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your procedure.
