Root canal or endodontic treatment may be necessary when the pulp tissue inside the root canals of a tooth becomes infected or damaged, which can be caused by dental trauma or decay. Teeth generally have between one and four root canals and a root canal procedure may be performed on a single root canal or multiple root canals within a tooth.
Occasionally a tooth that was treated months or years ago may develop new problems. In some cases, a tooth that has been treated endodontically fails to heal or continues to have pain. You may have another chance to save the tooth with a second endodontic procedure.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth are varied and may include pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink, pressure sensitivity or a combination of these. Because the pain often comes and goes, it can be very difficult to recognize what is causing the problem.
The blood vessels, nerves, and tissue that keep a tooth healthy and alive are located in the tooth’s pulp, which is protected by the outer enamel and tooth structure. Sometimes the pulp becomes infected and needs to be removed with a pulpotomy. Because this procedure is often performed on deciduous (baby) teeth, it is sometimes referred to as a baby root canal.
Traumatic injuries such as fractured, cracked, or displaced teeth can result in the need for dental treatment. Dental trauma care requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Treatments may include a splint, medication, a root canal, or other procedures. Once treated, we will monitor your tooth to ensure it is healing properly and that any injuries or infections are quickly resolved.
