Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (which is the living tissue inside the tooth) will have to be removed together with the nerves, bacteria and decay. The space will then be filled with specially medicated dental materials that will restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done is a treatment of choice to save a tooth that would otherwise die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has a problem is the solution. However, extracting a tooth is actually more costly for the patient since the infection might spread to the adjacent teeth. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime; nevertheless, on occasion, the tooth would have to be retreated if there are any new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible Root Canal Treatment:

1. Swelling or Tenderness.
2. Sensitivity to hot and cold.
3. Severe toothache.
4. An abscess (round bump like pimple) on gums.