Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to remove inflamed or infected pulp on the inside of the tooth which is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth.
Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Symptoms of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discoloration, and swelling. Occasionally, the tooth may have no symptoms. Endodontic therapy is concerned with removing the pulp tissue, cleaning and filling/sealing the space. Other treatment modalities involve surgical root canal therapy.
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the canal system and then seals the prepared space. Most treatment is now performed in a single appointment ranging from 30-90 minutes (depending on the number of canals). After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to function normally.
