General Dentistry

When the pulp (soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves) is diseased or injured, either from extensive decay or trauma, a root canal is performed. 

When a root canal is done, the dentist will first numb the tooth with local anesthetic.  Next a latex sheet (rubber dam) is placed in the patient's  mouth to isolate the tooth.  The dentist will drill an opening through the top of the tooth in order to access the pulp. Rotary files along with different medications are used to clean the diseased tissue. The dentist will then place a rubbery type material called gutta percha inside the roots to prevent bacteria from entering. 

Although performing a root canal saves the tooth from extraction, it dehydrates the tooth making it more susceptible to fracture. Therefore, following the completion of the root canal, a filling and crown are placed over the tooth.