ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to tissues called the pulp or the 'nerve'. The pulp is the inner chamber of the tooth inside the root that contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues that keep the tooth vital. A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems. Pain and sensitivity are some of the first indications of a problem; however, a spreading infection within the pulp can cause small pockets of pus to develop, leading to an abscess. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems. Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success. From a patient's perspective, this procedure is very similar to having a filling done. It involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the tooth to a healthy state. A crown is typically recommended post root canal to help keep the tooth from fracturing and further damage.