The main purpose of root canal therapy is to address pain and infection while saving the affected tooth. Within the root of a tooth are chambers called root canals. Once a bacterial infection gets inside, a patient usually feels intense pain and the teeth become very sensitive. Root canal therapy clears away the bacterial infection, fixes the pain, and protects the tooth from further infections. A root canal procedure may also be needed if your tooth suffers from cracks, fractures, or severe trauma (such as from a sports injury).
Improvements in root canal techniques make the procedure much more comfortable for the patient. The dentist starts with applying a local anesthetic to numb the area. The dentist then creates a small opening in the surface of the tooth to gain access to the root canals. After removing infected tissues, your dentist cleans and disinfects the affected passages, and then fills them with a protective material.
After the procedure, a patient’s tooth needs further attention. A crown is usually added to bring the tooth back to its proper strength. When the procedure is finished, instead of losing your tooth, it continues chewing your food and completing your smile for many years, if not a lifetime.
