The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from within the crown of the tooth (that portion of the tooth that is visible) to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.

When the pulp is diseased or injured and can’t repair itself, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let germs (bacteria) enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth.

When the infected pulp, which is made up of blood vessels and nerves, is not removed, pain and/or swelling can result. Some elements of the infection can injure your jaw bones and the resulting bacteria may enter your bloodstream. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed. In severe cases, you might need to be hospitalized due to an infection throughout your body.

First, an opening is made through the top of the tooth into the pulp chamber. The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and smoothed. Medications may be put in the root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection. If the treatment requires more than one visit, a temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between appointments or we may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. If a prescription is provided, please follow the directions. On the subsequent appointment, the temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled and the root canal treatment is completed. However, if we advise you that your tooth requires a crown, you need to return to our office for that procedure.