Endodontics

Endodontic treatment (a root canal) is performed on a tooth where the living tissues (nerves and blood supply) inside the tooth have become necrotic (died) or sick and are not going to recover (irreversible pulpitis).  After obtaining profound anesthesia, access is created in the tooth by preparing a hole in the biting surface of the tooth to locate the pulp chamber.  The canal or canals can then be cleaned and shaped with a series of files and irrigated to kill any bacteria that may have infected the tooth. Once the canals are prepared, they are dried, sealed, and filled to prevent re-infection.