Root canal therapy (RCT) and endodontics are the terms that describe the procedure that treats the nerve of the tooth. Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals specifically with the tooth pulp (the substance in the center of a tooth that consists of nerve, blood vessels & connective tissue) and tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. Root canal therapy can save the root and crown of the tooth in order to maintain its proper spacing and function in the mouth. RCT is the removal of the nerve and blood vessels from the canals within the tooth, and replacing them with a biocompatible sealer and rubber material called gutta percha. Although the tooth is no longer viable (alive), it still functions in the mastication (chewing) of food just like an alive (viable) tooth.

Root canaled teeth will likely need a dental crown to protect the tooth from fracturing in the future. The full coverage crown can consist of either a full metal crown, partial metal or all-ceramic (no metal) crown.

Root canals have a good success rate of approximately 85-90%. This can be compared with implants which now have a 92-97% success rate. Many teeth fixed with root canal therapy can last a lifetime when done properly. Be sure to evaluate your dentist before opting for the procedure.

Our doctors have had many years experience in treating patients with root canal therapy and have had tremendous success rates with this procedure. Our doctors would be happy to discuss your options and what would fit best for your situation.

The practice of root canal therapy or treatment is not to cause pain, but to relieve it. The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago. With new technologies and anesthetics, treatments today have been compared to that of a filling or crown. Most patients who visit a dentist or endodontist do so because they are seeking relief from a toothache. Root canals are designed to alleviate this toothache!