What is a Root Canal?
Root canal (endodontic) treatment is a dental procedure that removes inflamed or infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, then cleans, disinfects, fills and seals the root-canal system. Its goals are to eliminate bacteria, prevent reinfection, and preserve the natural tooth.
What happens during treatment?
Under local anaesthesia, and often using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, the dentist or endodontist will create access through the crown, remove the diseased pulp, shape and clean the root canal(s), fill them (commonly with a material such as gutta-percha), and then seal the tooth. A final restoration (filling or crown) completes the treatment. Modern root-canal treatments are efficient and comfortable; many can be completed in one or two appointments depending on the tooth’s condition and patient’s circumstances. Benefits of preserving the natural tooth via root canal treatment:
- Restores full chewing efficiency
- Maintains normal biting forces and tooth sensation
- Retains the natural tooth appearance
- Helps prevent over-stress and wear of adjacent teeth