If a tooth has been badly decayed or traumatized the nerve and blood vessels inside the tooth can become infected.  When toxins and bacteria leak out the openings at the tips of the root a dental abscess can form.  In order to treat or prevent this abscess the dentist cleans out all the necrotic pulp tissue from within the pulp chamber and root canals. Once the tooth is sufficiently cleaned out and as sterile as possible, the root canal system is sealed off.  Bacteria are prevented from infecting the tooth again in most cases A small percentage of root treatments do fail, especially if they are only done long after the abscess develops. However, many teeth are successfully saved from extraction, and root treatments are a valuable treatment option.

Click here to watch a short video about dental abscess.

Click here to watch a short video about root canal treatment.