Root Canal Therapy is needed when the root of the tooth is damaged due to infection, trauma or a crack in the tooth. Sometimes this damage can cause pain, swelling or sensitivity to temperatures or chewing. Other times you may have no symptoms, but the need for a root canal is diagnosed during exam or x-ray.
Many times root canal therapy is completed in one visit, but sometimes requires two visits. Once the area is anesthetized, the canals of the tooth will be identified and cleaned, thoroughly removing any infection before they are filled and sealed. Often times, a restoration such as a crown is needed following a root canal, as the tooth is often weakened by the decay or trauma that necessitated the root canal.