What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
A Root Canal treatment addresses the infected pulp within your tooth. This soft tissue, located in the center and containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, can become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks in the tooth, or gum disease. When this happens, a root canal becomes necessary to save the tooth and prevent further complications.
The procedure itself involves carefully removing the infected pulp. Your dentist will first numb the area for your comfort and isolate the tooth with a dental dam. An access point is created in the tooth crown to access the pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, the dentist meticulously removes the infected pulp, nerves, and blood vessels. This eliminates the source of the infection and prepares the tooth for further treatment.
While Root Canal treatment has a high success rate, complications can arise in some cases, such as re-infection or failure to fully remove the infection. Regular dental checkups are crucial to monitor the health of the treated tooth and detect any potential issues early.