Do you have an infected tooth? Do you have chronic or severe pain in a tooth? Then to save that tooth, you will probably need a root canal, or endodontic procedure.
A root canal involves opening into the tooth’s nerve chamber and using very fine files to clean out all of the infected nerve tissue that extends down the tooth’s root or roots. Contrary to common belief, the roots themselves are not removed; instead, your dentist will remove the nerve tissue inside them.
Once the nerve tissue has been removed, the roots are filled with a root canal filling material and the top of the tooth is repaired with a filling. However, if a lot of the tooth is broken or decayed, you may need a porcelain cap or crown to cover the tooth and protect it from future breakage.
There are some rare situations when a patient will need to see an endodontic specialist. We have no hesitation in referring patients to specialists when we feel that it would be best for the patient.
Have more questions about your teeth? Call us at 519-596-1035.