A root canal is necessary when the soft tissue inside the tooth—called the dental pulp—becomes infected or irreversibly damaged, most often due to deep decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth. Without treatment, this can lead to severe pain, swelling, or abscess.
Good news: A root canal (also known as endodontic treatment) can save your natural tooth, eliminate pain, and restore normal function in most cases.
Endodontics is the dental specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries involving the tissues inside the tooth. These tissues—comprising blood vessels, nerve fibers, and connective tissue—collectively form the dental pulp.
Using advanced techniques and precision tools, endodontic treatment removes the damaged pulp, thoroughly cleans and seals the root canal system, and should be followed by a permanent restoration to protect the tooth and restore function and esthetics.
Today’s advanced endodontic procedures make it possible to save your natural teeth and restore them to full health and function. Endodontic treatment can eliminate pain, preserve your natural smile, and help you maintain strong teeth and gums for a lifetime.
Kathy Maureen Patmore, D.D.S., is the founder and owner of Santa Barbara Endodontic Specialists. Since opening her private practice in Santa Barbara in 1992, she has earned a reputation for clinical excellence, technical innovation, and genuine compassion that has defined her career and earned the trust of generations of patients.
Today, Dr. Patmore continues to own the practice and leads a team of premiere endodontic clinicians. Her decades of hands-on experience and leadership allow her to guide the practice with a clear vision — ensuring every patient receives personalized, gentle, and technically advanced care.