When do you need a root canal? 

Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection of the pulp tissue. Root canal treatment is a procedure to relieve dental pain and save your teeth!

What happens during a root canal?

1. A local anesthetic will be given.

2. A sheet of latex called the "rubber dam" (we've got nonlatex ones too) will be placed around the tooth to isolate it (keeping it clean and dry).

3. During root canal treatment, the specialist carefully removes the pulp inside the tooth, cleans, disinfects, and shapes the root canals.

4. The specialist then places a filling to seal the space.

What is the success rate of a root canal?

While there are, of course, no guarantees,  root canals have a very high degree of success, up to 90%.  We will discuss with you the likelihood of success before any endodontic procedure to help you make an informed decision. Even if the root canal is unsuccessful, there are various other options!