Root Canal Therapy

Treats infection or damage inside a tooth so the natural tooth can be saved.

Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and shapes the space inside, and seals it to prevent further infection — allowing you to keep the natural tooth rather than having it extracted.

A tooth usually needs this treatment when deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work has let bacteria reach the soft tissue (pulp) inside the tooth. Common signs include persistent pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, or swelling near a tooth, though some cases have no obvious symptoms and are found during a routine check-up.

After treatment, a tooth that has had a root canal is often more brittle and typically needs a crown or other restoration to protect it long-term. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain what restoration, if any, is recommended after the procedure.