Root canal therapy is treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has been infected due to a deep cavity or cracked tooth. If the treatment is not performed, bacteria builds up at the root tip and the infection of the pulp can spread to the surrounding bone. This results in pain and swelling, and your tooth would likely have to be removed. By and large, people wince when they hear the term “root canal,” but root canal therapy is a safe, effective, and low-pain option for saving teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted.
What to expect: The process consists of numbing the area around the affected tooth, removing the pulp (living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any existing decay that is present. In order to restore the tooth to its full function, the resulting space is then filled with special medicated dental materials. When you return, the dentist will remove the temporary filling, re-clean the root canal and pulp chamber, and place a permanent filling and / or crown over the tooth. While some soreness may be present following the procedure, over-the-counter painkillers are typically enough to remedy the discomfort.
