Do I Need A Root Canal?

Question: I'm getting constant pain from a tooth that fell apart and exposed the root canal. I bit down on a potatoe chip and it seemed like it pushed down on the pin, ive had pain ever since about 3-4 weeks now. What shall i do ?

Dr. Atcha:  Looks like you need to have a root canal done as the root may be exposed and it may cause an infection if it is not treated.

Is there laser root canal therapy?

Is there a any new therapies done with laser to do a root canal? Also why do dentists not seal all the teeth to prevent tooth decay especially on someone who is much older?

Imelda, TX

Dr. Kelley: No lasers are still primarily used for soft tissue, and decay removal.
Sometimes we do seal all the teeth. Most of the time we do not because by the time a person is an adult if their oral hygiene is good, they have usually gotten all of the cavities they are going to get. Cavities usually start in areas of the teeth with enamel defects.