Endodontic treatment (Root Canal Therapy) saves a severely injured, cracked, or decayed tooth when its pulp (the nerve of the tooth) becomes inflamed or infected. If not treated promptly a tooth may abscess, causing severe pain.
Sometimes an endodontic problem can exist without warning signs, however some common symptoms that may present are:
Root canal treatment involves the extraction of diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of your tooth are then cleaned, medicated and sealed. A dental crown is then placed to protect and strengthen the tooth.
Root canals can typically be completed in one visit, although more extensive cases may require another appointment and/or seeing an Endodontist (a root canal specialist).