Root canal
Root canal
Rood canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During the procedure the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
A root canal is a dental procedure intended to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the root canal system). It’s a commonly misunderstood procedure often associated with pain, but it is a vital treatment that can save teeth that might otherwise have to be removed.
Why Root Canals Are Needed
The need for a root canal arises from an infection within the tooth’s pulp, which is the soft tissue at the center of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This infection can be caused by:
- Severe tooth decay reaching deep into the tooth, invading the pulp.
- Trauma to the tooth, such as a physical blow.
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.
- Cracks or chips in the tooth that allow bacteria to invade the pulp.
Symptoms indicating the need for a root canal include severe pain while chewing or biting, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, discoloration of the tooth, and swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth.