What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment usually involves the removal of the tooth's pulp, a small threadlike tissue that was important for tooth development. Once removed, it is replaced with materials that seal off the root canal from its supporting structures. Years ago, diseased or injured teeth were often extracted. Today, even if the pulp of one your teeth becomes injured or infected, it often can be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment. Endodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases or injuries to the dental pulp.

Dr. John Chao utilizes operating microscopes and the most modern techniques, for performing root canals in order to make the procedure as painless, as fast, and as successful as possible.

An Abscessed (infected) tooth caused by Tooth Decay.		An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
The pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.		The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
A metal or plastic rod or post may be placed in the root canal for structural support.		The crown of the tooth is then restored.