Root Canal Therapy

When a tooth is severely decayed or infected a root canal may be necessary. In root canal therapy, the nerve and pulp inside a tooth are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Root canals are the most maligned dental procedures, but recent advances in dentistry have made the procedures most often painless.

Root canals can be performed by general dentists, but are often performed by endodontists. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. Endodontists have completed dental school, as well as an additional two or more years of specialty training.