When a Root Canal Is Needed

Each tooth has a pulp chamber at its core containing nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach that chamber through deep decay, a crack, or trauma, infection sets in. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and become a dental abscess.

Symptoms that suggest infection has reached the pulp include: a severe, persistent toothache; sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers after the source is removed; swelling in the gum or jaw near the tooth; or a tooth that has darkened noticeably. Not all infected teeth cause severe pain, however. Some are diagnosed on X-ray before symptoms become acute, which is one reason regular exams matter.

What Happens During Treatment

The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthetic before the procedure begins. Once the area is fully numb, an opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected pulp tissue is removed, the canals are carefully cleaned and shaped, and the space is filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.

A crown is typically placed after root canal treatment. With the pulp removed, the tooth becomes more brittle over time, and a crown provides the protection needed to keep it functional for years to come.

Keeping the Natural Tooth

Saving a natural tooth is almost always preferable to replacing it. Natural teeth have roots that stimulate the jaw bone, maintain the position of surrounding teeth, and function more predictably than replacements over the long term.

Root canal treatment, when followed by a crown, can preserve a tooth for many years. The goal is always to keep what can be kept.