Root canals like all other dental procedures are performed for specific reasons. Reasons for doing root canals can be infections, fractures or broken teeth, etc. In some instances when a tooth becomes infected the nerve in the tooth may die preventing the tooth from hurting. Even though the tooth may not hurt the infection can get worse and cause very serious problems such as erosion of bone around the root tip and may even spread to other teeth.

Always – No. In instances when a large amount of tooth structure is lost due to decay, then yes the tooth should be protected with an onlay or a crown (generically referred to as a "cap"). If the tooth has an excessively large filling with evidence of fracture lines in the remaining natural tooth structure, and is in a stress bearing area of the mouth, that too is an indication for a crown or onlay.

Because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall-out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting in a bad bite.

Root canal therapy consist of removing the nerve, vein and artery from the root canal system of the tooth. Removing the blood supply from the tooth causes the tooth to become dehydrated. Over time this leaves the tooth brittle and susceptible to fracture and may result in tooth loss. Crowning a tooth following root canal therapy is considered standard of care.

No. Some teeth have roots so crooked or canals so narrow that the dentist cannot get his or her instruments to the tip of the root. If the nerve cannot be removed completely, the remaining tissue usually dies and becomes nutriment for bacteria and a subsequent abscess. Fortunately, this is seldom a problem.

A tooth consists of outer hard layers and an inner chamber which contains the pulp. The pulp is composed of nerve and blood vessels. The pulp is subject to trauma and infection due to many causes. A cavity can introduce bacteria into the pulp. A sharp blow to a tooth or biting on a hard object can injure the pulp. A deep filling to restore a deep cavity can injure the pulp. When a pulp is injured, it causes a great deal of pain, and can cause the pulp to die.

Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals.

When a tooth dies on the inside where the nerve is, it becomes an area that is ripe for infection. If left alone, the tooth will become infected and pressure will build up causing a toothache. It is very difficult to treat the inside of a tooth like a regular infection, because blood carrying antibiotics cannot reach inside the tooth to help kill the bacteria.

Yes, only without the nerve, you would not feel it because the nerve acts as an internal warning system. Root canal teeth are not more susceptible to decay than your other teeth, and proper brushing and flossing will help prevent decay. Your family dentist checks your teeth for decay during your six-month checkup. He/she also examines your teeth for broken or loose restorations, cracks, any signs of gum disease (periodontitis), problems with your bite, and performs a cancer screen.

Losing a tooth can be the beginning of many more lost teeth. Saving the Tooth maintains space, keeps other teeth from shifting, and eliminates the need and cost of a bridge or implant. Although seemingly expensive, it is actually quite cost effective.

Keeping in mind that every case is slightly different from the next, a root canal generally takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. Almost all treatments are completed in one visit. Chronic cases, in which an abscess has developed, will typically be treated in two visits. During the first visit, a medication called calcium hydroxide will be placed in the cleaned pulped spaces and allowed to set for one week.

The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. During development of the tooth, these tissues create the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth. After growth and development, the tooth is fully mature and it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.

The goal of endodontics is to relieve pain caused by pulpal inflammation and infection. In the past, the procedures were performed differently and the quality of anesthetics wasn't the best. With modern techniques and anesthetics, the majority of patients report being comfortable during the procedure. Many say that it is no different than having a filling placed.

You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The un-restored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth.