Endodontic Therapy (Root Canal Treatment)
Endodontic therapy (Root Canal) is a relatively simple procedure in which the pulp of the tooth is removed and replaced with a nonreactive dental material (gutta percha). The Pulp is the inner most portion of the tooth that houses the blood vessels and nerves. The pulp is vital for tooth maturation, the delivery of nutrients, and sensory perception of the tooth. However, once the pulp becomes infected, dies, or is injured, the tooth will then respond to this insult with infection and/or pain. This process can cause the need for that tooth to be removed. Endodontic Therapy (Root Canal) enables dentists to save many teeth that otherwise would be lost. With the removal of nerves and blood supply from the tooth, it is best that the tooth is fitted with a crown; this increases the prognosis and lifespan of the tooth by several fold.