Every healthy tooth has a pulp chamber, which contains the pulp: nerves and blood vessels. The pulp serves to form the roots of the tooth when it was developing. It also provides sensation to the tooth when exposed to extreme temperature and alarms us when there is decay.

However not all cavities can be resolved by just a filling, if the decay or pre-existing damage is too deep; the pulp can become irreversibly inflamed and infected eventually.

Once the pulp is injured, the tooth starts to die; this can cause extreme pain – a toothache.

Overtime, the infection can travel down the root to cause damage around the structures beyond the root. Swelling or pimple-like structure (sinus tract) can form around the gums of the tooth.

Other causes of pulp injury include very deep fillings, trauma, cracked tooth and severe gum disease.

Once the injury or damage is bad enough to affect the pulp, the only other option apart from root canal treatment is Dental Extraction.

Dental Extraction causes many other problems affecting chewing and speech. Teeth adjacent and opposing the missing tooth can also drift with time. This may increases risk of decay and gum disease. Missing teeth in the front also poses aesthetic issues, which may affect confidence and self-esteem.

Root Canal Treatment is the best choice to save the tooth, if possible.

Decay when present is first removed. An opening is made at the top of the tooth. Using this opening, the damaged pulp tissue is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.

The canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Sometimes medication is placed in the canals and the opening is closed with a temporary filling until the next appointment.

After the canals are flushed clean and dried, they are sealed with a biocompatible material. The opening in the tooth is also sealed with a permanent filling usually called the core. If the tooth is too badly damage, a post may also be inserted to retain the core.

In order to better protect the back teeth (premolars and molars) after Root Canal Treatment is completed, a Crown should be placed on these teeth. Sometimes, front teeth that are badly broken down to begin with will also need crowns.

The cost and the number of visits required depend on which tooth and the degree of difficulty. Generally, Root Canal Treatment for the front teeth is easier, whereas the back teeth (premolars and molars) are more complicated and will cost more.

X-rays are also needed during Root Canal Treatment.

After Root Canal Treatment, the back teeth (all the time) and sometimes-front teeth will need a Crown. Without crowns, these teeth that are root canal treated may fracture with time.