When tooth pulp becomes irritated and infected, bacteria grows causing pressure and oftentimes pain. Swelling of the face can also occur. Eventually, the bacteria will destroy the pulp and the bone surrounding the tooth may also become infected and abscessed, possibly causing destruction of the surrounding bone.

What is treatment like?
First, we relieve any pain you are having and make sure you are as comfortable as possible for treatment. Often, patients will choose an anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. We isolate the tooth with a rubber dam that protects the mouth from bacteria and chemical agents. Then an opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp.

Second, we carefully remove the diseased pulp, then clean, enlarge and shape a canal inside your tooth. Depending on your situation, the pulp chamber may be either permanently filled and sealed or injected with a temporary medication to control bacterial growth and reduce infection.

Third, we fill the opening of the tooth with a temporary filling and schedule a second appointment.

At your second appointment, the inside of the tooth is sterilized and any bacteria removed. Finally, we permanently fill and seal the root canal and pulp chamber.

What to expect after treatment
After Root Canal treatment, the tooth is more brittle and thus more susceptible to fracture. We recommend that your tooth be crowned so that strength is restored.

Also, you may notice that your tooth has changed in color. If it is a front tooth, you may want to consider a professional whitening procedure to match the tooth as close as possible to the surrounding teeth.