If your tooth's nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth.

Inside your tooth's hard outer shell is a nourishing pulp of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves. The root's canal, allow these vessels and nerves to extend to the bone.

Deep tooth decay, or injury can cause serious damage and infection to the pulps nerves and vessels. Root canal, also known as endodontic, treatment cleans out the infected pulp chamber and canals.

Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:

• Spontaneous pain or throbbing.
• Pain while biting or chewing.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold.
• Severe decay or injury that causes an abscess (infection) in the bone surrounding the tooth.

Step 1
After the tooth is anesthetized, an opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber.


Step 2
The lengths of the roots' canals are determined.


Step 3
Unhealthy pulp is removed. Canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped using progressively larger endodontic files.


Step 4
Canals are filled and sealed. A metal post may be added for structural support or to retain restorative materials.


Step 5
The tooth is sealed with a tempory filling. Usually a gold or porcelain crown adds further protection.
 

The material used to fill your root canal will probably last you a lifetime, but eventually the filling or crown may need to be replaced.