Endodontics (root canals)

The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove diseased or infected nerve tissue. This procedure allows us to save a tooth that otherwise would have to be extracted. Some indications that you may need a root canal are pain when chewing, or when eating or drinking hot or cold foods or liquids.

Root canals are not painful. Anesthetic is used to numb the tooth before any treatment is begun. After a root canal is performed, the tooth will require a crown to protect it from breaking.

The alternative to a root canal is to extract the tooth. Root canals can fail if not properly restored: they can leak and become infected or may break if not crowned. Other causes of failure include accessory canals or chronic, long term infection in the bone around the root.