Root Canal Treatment

Overview

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure used to treat infection or inflammation of the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. The damaged pulp is removed, and the inner canals of the tooth are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. The tooth is then usually restored with a filling or crown. The treatment allows a tooth that might otherwise need extraction to be preserved.

Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth

• Relieves the severe pain caused by infection
• Eliminates infection and prevents it from spreading
• Avoids extraction and the need for a replacement tooth
• Allows you to keep chewing and smiling normally

Myth vs. Fact

Many people fear root canals, but the pain comes from the infection, not the treatment. With modern anesthesia, the procedure is comparable to getting a filling. A crown is often recommended afterward to protect the treated tooth from fracture.