The most common reason a root canal is indicated for a patient is when dental decay extends to the nerve of the tooth. This may present itself with or without pain. In either case, a root canal is critical in order to stop the progression of infection.

A root canal is performed by accessing and cleaning out the nerve from the pulp chamber and sealing it to prevent further infection. A crown is then placed to protect the remaining tooth structure.

Unfortunately, once diagnosed, there are no alternative treatments to a root canal other than extracting the tooth, which we do not recommend if at all possible.

Root canals can also be indicated when there has been trauma or root resorption.

Dr. Hansen is skilled in performing root canals on most teeth.