Endodontics (root canals)

The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove diseased or infected nerve tissue. This nerve tissue is in the center of the tooth and follows the shape of the root. Some indications that you may need a root canal are pain when chewing, or when eating or drinking hot or cold foods or liquids.

Root canals are not painful. Anesthetic is used to numb the tooth before any treatment is begun. The process involves opening the crown of the tooth and removing the infected tissue inside. After a root canal is performed, the tooth will require a crown to protect it from breaking.

The cost of a root canal varies with the degree of difficulty of the procedure. The other alternative to a root canal is to extract the tooth. A root canal can fail if it is not properly restored: it can leak and become infected or it may break if not crowned. If a canal is missed or not located during treatment the root canal may fail. A root canal may also fail if there has been long term infection.