What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to save a tooth when the tissue–blood vessels and nerves–inside of a tooth have become infected or inflamed. In order to save the tooth and remove the pain, the dentist will need to remove infected and diseased tissue inside the root “canal” to clean out the infected area. The canal inside is then medicated and filled to allow the surrounding area to heal and prevent re-infection.
Reasons a root canal may be performed
- Pain
- Deep decay
- Infections at the tip of the root or inside the canal
- Cracked, broken or injured teeth
Generally, but not always, a crown will need to be placed after the root canal treatment is complete in order to protect the tooth from any further damage. Sensitivity after the procedure is generally experienced by many patients and subsides within a week when the tooth has healed. When your treatment has been completed, your dentist will provide you with special instructions on how to care for your newly treated tooth.