A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. The tooth is then restored and the tooth can remain in the mouth. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
There are only two options to treat a badly damaged or abscessed tooth. Root canal treatment and tooth restoration, or Extraction (Removal).
Dental educators have always taught that root canal therapy is safe and effective. The Dental Profession has always believed that a root canal will allow a compromised tooth to be kept in the mouth and restored. Careful technique has steadily improved over the more than 100 years of root canal treatment evolution. Root Canal treatment now is much better than it was 100 years ago.
When a root canal is performed, the tooth will always require a restoration to keep it sealed. Usually the dentist will place a core (or sometimes a post) in the tooth and construct a crown to cover the tooth and protect it. A filling may be too weak for a larger restoration. A healthy nerve has blood vessels in and out of the tooth. When the nerve is removed, the tooth loses its source of fluid and can become more brittle over time. A crown is recommended to protect the tooth Structure.
Dr Charnesky considers the tooth that is infected carefully. He will treat some root canals. Referral to the specialist will often be the most effective treatment