Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)
When tooth decay progresses beyond the enamel and dentin layers and reaches the pulp—the inner core containing nerves and blood vessels—the damage becomes irreversible. At this stage, root canal treatment is necessary to save the tooth and relieve pain. Early detection is key to preventing extensive damage and preserving dental health.
How Root Canal Therapy Works
The approach varies depending on whether the tooth is still vital (alive) or devital (infected or dead):
1. Vital Teeth (No Abscess or Advanced Infection)
For teeth with deep decay but no abscess, treatment is typically completed in a single visit:
2. Devital Teeth (Infected or Abscessed)
In cases where the tooth is already non-vital and an infection has developed—often resulting in swelling, sensitivity, or a gum boil (dental fistula)—a staged approach is used:
Root canal therapy is a highly effective way to save natural teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. When combined with proper oral care and restoration (like a crown or filling), treated teeth can last for many years.