Root Canal FAQ

Root canal treatment is used to save damaged teeth. When the pulp (nerve) is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, the pulp dies. The most frequent cause of pulp death is a fractured tooth or a deep cavity, which can expose the pulp to the bacteria found in saliva. The bacteria then cause an infection inside the tooth. If not removed damaged or diseased pulp can cause the tooth and surrounding tissues to become infected. Without treatment, your tooth could eventually have to be removed.

When the pulp (nerve) of a tooth becomes infected the infection can spread throughout the pulp. If root canal treatment is not done, the infection may travel into the tissues near the root tip. This can cause the surrounding bone to erode. The pocket of pus that forms is the abscess. The infection is most often caused by a deep cavity or crack in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter the pulp. An abscess can also be caused by trauma to the teeth from a blow to the mouth or from grinding your teeth at night.