Frequently Asked Questions

Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question Why do I need root canal treatment?

Answer If you have a damaged tooth, root canal treatment may help to save it. Inside your tooth is soft tissue containing nerves, and blood and lymph vessels, known as the tooth pulp. When the pulp cannot repair itself from disease or injury, it dies. A fracture in a tooth or a deep cavity commonly cause pulp death, as the pulp is exposed to bacteria found in your saliva. When the pulp becomes infected, it is best to remove it before it spreads to the tooth and surrounding tissues. The whole tooth may be lost if the infection is left untreated. Root canal treatment can save your tooth.

More questions in this category:

What does root canal treatment really mean?
Why do I need root canal treatment?
What is root canal treatment?
What is the dental pulp?
What happens if the pulp is injured?
Why does the pulp need to be removed?
What does treatment involve?
How long will the restored teeth last?