Root Canals
A root canal treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. Root canal procedures are performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.  Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is no different from having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to a dental appointment is truly the most painful period of time, not the root canal procedure itself. The root canal procedure requires one or more office visits.  Dr. Verma is very comfortable doing RCT on most of the teeth in the mouth however sometimes with the back teeth (posterior teeth)if indicated she may opt to refer a case to the endodontist.  An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth.  Dr. Verma says the root anatomy of the back teeth is sometimes complicated and she thinks it is in the best interest of her patient's that they bet referred to an endodontist.  We at Verma Dental understand that when a tooth needs a Root Canal it usually is uncomfortable.  Therefore the staff at the office will go through the entire process of making an appointment for you with the endodontist if you are being referred.  So you are taken care of by the endodontist the same day or next - we hate to see our patients leave in pain.

What Is Pulp?
The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the center of the tooth. The tooth's nerve lies within root canals, which lie within the roots or "legs" of the tooth. The root canals travel from the tip of the tooth's root into the pulp chamber, which also contains blood vessels and connective tissue that nourish the tooth.

A tooth's nerve is not vitally important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory - to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

Why Does the Pulp Need to Be Removed?
When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

1. Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
2. Bone loss around the tip of the root
3. Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

1. Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
2. Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
3. Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
4. Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
5. A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
6. Sometimes no symptoms are present  

1. More than the normally anticipated number of root canals in a tooth (leaving one of them uncleaned)
2. An undetected crack in the root of a tooth
3. A defective or inadequate dental restoration that has allowed bacteria to get past the restoration into the inner aspects of the tooth and recontaminate the area
4. A breakdown of the inner sealing material over time, allowing bacteria to recontaminate the inner aspects of the tooth