Root Canal procedures are used to remove diseased nerve tissue from the center and root of the tooth - the necrotic tissue inside the tooth becomes a foreign body and must be removed or the tooth will need extraction. A nerve can be damaged from a large filling, trauma, bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth) or resorption of the nerve tissue for no apparent reason.

In an immature permanent tooth that has not formed its root, the procedure is done in steps - first the upper portion of the nerve is removed (called a pulpotomy), then the root matures and then the treatment is completed (called a pulpectomy),

Once the root canals are cleaned, a filling material is placed in the nerve space (called obturation) usually using an inert material called gutta percha.  This material must fill all the spaces and irregularities of the canal  - our office also uses the laser to sterilize the canals which increases the success rate this procedure.

An important concept with root canals - the earlier the root canal treatment is initiated, the more successful and less uncomfortable the procedure. If swelling or extreme discomfort is present, the more difficult the success of treatment.  That is why radiographs (x-rays) are important to screen for disease - sometimes there are no symptoms of diseased nerves except for evidence on the radiograph and the dentist will recommend root canal therapy be started before physical symptoms occur.