If you have a tooth whose internal structures are damaged, you may benefit from root canal therapy (endodontics). Endodontics can restore your tooth to its state of health by treating the damaged part of your tooth.
Should you experience symptoms ranging from occasional sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods, to constant throbbing or a dull ache, to pain while chewing, you may need root canal therapy.

X-rays allow the dentist to see the inside of your teeth and the surrounding bone. From these the dentist can detect any unhealthy changes even if your are not currently experiencing symptoms.

Your tooth has two basic parts:

• The Crown- the part you see above the gum line.
• The Roots- the part that anchors your tooth to your jawbone.
• Inside the crown & roots is soft tissue (pulp) that help keep your tooth nourished.

Bacteria can invade your tooth through a loose filling, a cavity, or a crack. Your pulp becomes infected as it is attacked by bacteria. The bacteria left untreated can destroy the pulp. Inflammation and infection spread down the root canal, often causing the symptoms described above. If left untreated the bone can become infected and the bacteria escapes through the root openings.

Treatment may take one or more visits and usually consists of the following. An opening is made in your tooth and any existing fillings or decay is removed. Then your dentist removes unhealthy pulp with tiny, flexible files. Using delicate, up and down motions, the dentist gently cleans and smoothes your canals to disinfect them and prepares them for filling. The canals are then sealed with a material that occupies the space vacated by the removal of the pulp.

After the inside of the tooth has been treated your dentist will cover the tooth with a ceramic or metal crown. After root canal therapy your tooth continues to be nourished by the surrounding gums and bone. Your tooth should now feel and function like your other teeth.