ROOT CANAL

Root canal therapy fits under the special dentistry area known as endodontics. Endodontics literally means dentistry within the tooth itself. The procedure treats disorders of the pulp. 

Endodontic treatment restores your tooth to a comfortable state by removing the damaged tissue and replacing it with substance that will help preserve the function of the tooth.

There are many reasons that a root canal maybe needed by the most common cause is the caries process (uncontrolled process of tooth decay). When tooth decay begins, it penetrates the outer layer of enamel and creates a cavity. If that process is not stopped, the decay will continue toward the nerve of the tooth.

Other causes include a fracture to a tooth, a cracked or loose filling or repeated fillings in a tooth and occasionally from periodontal disease. Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and an abscess within the tooth pulp dies, causing the bone around the tooth to be destroyed.