A root canal is a common restorative procedure used to save a tooth that has infected or inflamed pulp. Rather than extracting the tooth, the dentist removes the damaged tissue, disinfects the inner chamber, and seals it to prevent further infection. This treatment alleviates pain and preserves the patient's natural tooth.
A root canal is a dental procedure that targets the innermost part of the tooth—called the pulp chamber—where connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves reside. When decay or trauma reaches this area, the pulp can become infected or inflamed. During a root canal, the dentist removes the diseased pulp to stop the spread of infection.
The primary purpose of a root canal is to eliminate infection and prevent it from spreading to surrounding teeth and bone. By removing the infected pulp, the procedure relieves severe toothache, halts bone loss around the tip of the root, and preserves the natural tooth instead of replacing it with an extraction and implant or bridge.
Common indicators include persistent tooth pain—especially when chewing or applying pressure—lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling or tenderness in nearby gums, and darkening of the tooth. If an x-ray reveals an abscess at the root tip, a root canal is typically recommended to address the infection.
1. **Anesthesia**: The dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. 2. **Access Opening**: A small opening is drilled through the crown (top) of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. 3. **Pulp Removal**: Using specialized instruments, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the chamber and root canals. 4. **Cleaning and Shaping**: The internal canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to receive the filling material. 5. **Filling**: A biocompatible material (gutta-percha) is placed to seal the canals. 6. **Temporary Restoration**: A temporary filling or crown is placed to protect the tooth while the area heals. 7. **Final Restoration**: After a few weeks, the temporary restoration is replaced with a permanent crown to restore function and appearance.
Root canals allow patients to keep their natural tooth, maintaining proper chewing function and jaw alignment. They also prevent the need for more invasive procedures—like extractions followed by implants or bridges—saving time, preserving bone structure, and often reducing long-term costs.
