Root Canals

Contrary to popular Hollywood lore, root canals are not that dramatic an experience. Essentially, it feels similar to getting a filling. Root canals are required if the tooth decay has penetrated the pulp chamber, the live part of the root. They are also recommended when there is an infection at the tip of the root due to a history of decay, bacteria infestation, or due to blunt force trauma (causing the nerve in the root to die). Once the pulp chamber is cleaned and shaped, the root canals of the tooth can be filled. A crown is then placed to cap the tooth, thus protecting it from bacteria in the oral environment. With good Oral hygiene and regular checkups, your root canalled tooth will last a long time.