Endodontic or "root canal" treatment is one of the most common dental procedures performed.  Root canal treatment seeks to save your natural teeth and to prevent the need for more invasive replacement procedures such as single tooth implants.

At the center of your tooth is the dental pulp.  The dental pulp is a collection of blood vessels and nerves that help to build the surrounding tooth.  Inflammation or infection of the dental pulp can be caused by deep decay, tooth and/or root cracks or fractures, repeated dental procedures, and traumatic injuries.  Clinical symptoms of an infection may be visible damage to the tooth, facial swelling, a sudden change in temperature sensitivity, or pain and/or swelling in the tooth and/or surrounding tissues.  Sometimes, however, clinical symptoms may be very mild, or even absent.  Other times, symptoms may be identified on a radiograph.    

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment to eliminate the inflamed or infected dental pulp.  During root canal treatment, the dental pulp is carefully removed, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent ongoing infection. 

Root canal treatment involves an effective dose of local anesthesia as well as placement of a rubber dam to isolate the tooth undergoing treatment.  Use of a rubber dam during root canal treatment is the standard of care.  Once the tooth has been carefully isolated, a small hole is made in the crown of the tooth, the outer portion that we see above our gum tissue, to provide access to the dental pulp.  The unhealthy dental pulp tissue is removed with the use of various endodontic instruments and irrigants.  The root canal system is cleaned, prepared, and filled with an inert filling material to seal the root canal system.  Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases.  If your tooth is not amenable to root canal treatment or the prognosis is less than favorable, you will be informed at the time of your consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

After completion of your root canal treatment, you may be instructed to return to your referring dentist's office as soon as possible for the definitive/final restoration/filling.  This final filling is integral to the overall success of endodontic treatment because it provides the final seal of the root canal space. 

It is rare for complications to arise after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery.  However, if a problem arises, we are available on an emergency basis.  To prevent further decay, and re-infection of your tooth, continue to practice good dental hygiene and be evaluated regularly at your referring dentist's office.