Dr. Philip R. Jackson Family Dentistry - Dentist Columbia SC

If you have been told that a root canal is necessary to save one of your teeth, it is important that you understand why this procedure is necessary and what happens during root canal treatment. Root canal treatment (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (also called the pulp) of the tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. In 95 percent of the cases today, however, this is no longer true. We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing them). We make every effort to help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime!

The following are the most common factors contributing to a need for root canal treatment:

• Cracks that extend from the enamel into the nerve.
• Physical irritation caused by deep decay or a very large filling
• Severe gum disease
• Trauma, such as a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.

The root canal procedure removes the infected pulp, sterilizes the tube where it was, and then fills the tube with a rubber-type material. The root of the tooth remains and a crown must be placed over the root and any remaining tooth structure to protect it from breakage.