Root Canal Treatment

What is root canal treatment?

When decay reaches the tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels (the pulp), inflammation and pain begin. In root canal treatment, this tissue is removed, the canals are disinfected and filled, and the tooth remains in your mouth.

Which symptoms may require root canal treatment?

• Lingering, throbbing pain with hot or cold
• Toothache that wakes you up at night
• Darkening of the tooth, swelling of the gums or an abscess

Is the treatment painful?

No. Modern root canal treatment performed under local anesthesia feels no different from getting a filling. With rotary instruments and electronic canal length measurement devices, most treatments are completed in 1–2 sessions.

After treatment

Mild sensitivity may occur for a few days. Because root canal–treated teeth can become brittle over time, a crown is recommended for teeth with significant structural loss.