After being diagnosed with an infected root canal system, many people are surprised to learn that they are limited to two treatment options—standard root canal treatment or extraction (removing the tooth).

In addition to the limited options, patients are even more surprised when they learn that the instruments used during root canal treatment (RCT) today are very similar to those used in the 1800s!^* How could an area of the body so critical to our overall health consist of such little innovation?

Root canal treatment removes infected tissue from the root canal, or the pulp-filled cavity of a tooth. Referred to as endodontics, this area of dentistry has a long history, with the most exciting innovations being introduced within the past decade.

A root canal is the pulp-filled cavity in the root of a tooth, containing both nerves and blood vessels. When this area of the tooth becomes infected or inflamed, endodontic therapy may be needed.