Root canal therapy is generally necessary when the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth, is diseased or damaged. The disease or damage may be caused by a number of situations. For example, bacteria from a deep decay can enter the pulp and cause an infection. Or, the tooth may be injured in such a way that the blood supply is ruptured or the nerve damaged. A third possibility is a fracture of the tooth itself which exposes the pulp to the bacteria normally found in the mouth. A fourth possibility would be gum disease so severe that it can cause infection of the pulp.

All of these conditions can be associated with severe pain, yet the deterioration of the pulp may also happen so gradually that it is nearly painless. In any event, when the nerve inside the tooth dies, the tooth needs to be treated with root canal therapy or it will be lost.

The first step taken will be to remove the pulp tissue and carefully clean the pulp chamber and root canals. This is done through a small opening in the crown of the tooth.

Once the area has been cleaned, medicine is then placed in the tooth and it is temporarily sealed. The treatment program may require several appointments.

When the dentist is certain that the tooth is free of infection, he will fill and seal the canals with a material which will prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.

Once this has been completed the outer portion of the tooth must be restored.