1. Can root canal infection always be treated successfully?

In the majority of cases, root canal infections can be effectively treated to eliminate the problem. The process is fairly simple and routine but requires attention to tooth anatomy and patient comfort.


2. Are there alternative treatments for root canal? Should some people get a second opinion?

Once a tooth is infected, the bacteria lock themselves up within the tooth. The only other alternative once the tooth is infected is to remove(extract) the tooth and replace it with something permanent like a bridge or an implant. Saving the natural tooth should be the favored choice as there is no perfect replacement for the natural tooth.


3. Cavity becomes a root canal?

Some cavities can become root canals if not corrected in time. Any entrance of bacteria into the nerve space will create a root canal infection. This type of infection is often caused by decay (cavities) but can also be caused by cracks in the tooth or trauma to the tooth.


4. What is an abscess?

An abscess is the destruction of the bone housing the tooth caused by a tooth infection. Once the infection escapes out of the tooth, it starts to destroy the bone surrounding the tip of the root. This is a dental abscess.


5. Does every abscessed tooth hurt?

Not every abscessed tooth hurts. There are many patients who have abscesses which are destroying their jaw bones but, they may not be aware of this because of the lack of pain. If the body doesn' t react to the infection, no pain will be elicited and the patient will not be aware of the problem.


6. What happens when an infected dental pulp is not treated?

If the infection is not treated, the tooth infection will migrate into the bone and become systemic. This infection then sends bacteria into the blood stream which can then create other problems in the body. Also, bacteria can infect other teeth and cause problems which could have all been prevented by early detection / treatment of the tooth.