Root Canals

The root canal is the interior pulp of a tooth containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. This can become infected causing pain and potentially further damaging the tooth. Root canal surgery, or “root canal” for short is the solution.

In this procedure, the area is numbed and a hole is drilled in the back or top of the tooth. The pulp is removed and interior of the tooth cleaned. The space is then filled with an inert plastic material.

Following the procedure, a temporary filling or cap is used until it is certain there is no continuing infection – a few weeks. At that point, a permanent crown can be used to complete the job.

Patients undergoing root canal surgery may experience some soreness or tenderness for a few days following.