Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, involves cleaning out the nerve of the tooth.  You may have tooth pain that indicates the need for a root canal or an X-ray of the tooth may indicate that the tooth is infected or even resorbing due to trauma.  This is not a surgical procedure and no gum tissue is affected. Access to the tooth is obtained by drilling through the biting surface of the tooth or dental restoration to expose the nerve.  Most root canals can be completed in one visit and the patient feels no different than when having a filling done. The canal is filled with a rubber-like material and medicated cement. The tooth opening is closed with a temporary filling and an additional 1 or 2 visits is required so that a crown or filling can be completed to protect the structural integrity of the tooth.

Once a root canal is finished, it is essential to have the final restoration completed promptly. This ensures that the root canal is not exposed to bacteria from breakdown and leakage at the edges of the temporary filling.