Root canal (Endodontic) treatment is necessary when the soft inner tissue of the tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected.

Each tooth's nerve enters the tooth, in generalities, at the tip of its root(s). From this point the nerve then runs through the center of the root in small "root canals" which subsequently join up with the tooth's pulp chamber.

In a nutshell, the process of root canal treatment first removes (as thoroughly as possible) bacteria, nerve tissue, the organic debris left over from the breakdown of nerve tissue, and bacterial toxins out from within the inner aspects of a tooth. All of these items either are or will produce the tissue irritants that can cause your body to activate an inflammation reaction.

The actual root canals are measured after some of the pulp has been removed. This is done so that the dentist can clean the entire canal, and so that enough of the filling material will be used to completely fill the canal. The actual measuring is done with either X-Rays or electronic imaging devices

Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!