Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure performed to save a tooth that has been damaged by deep decay, trauma, or other injuries. Root canal treatment is performed to remove the inflamed or infected tissue inside the tooth, known as the pulp, and to clean and seal the root canal.
Root canal treatment usually involves the following steps:
Anesthesia: The tooth is numbed to avoid pain during the procedure.
Access to the tooth: The dentist makes an opening in the tooth to access the root canal.
Removal of infected tissue: The dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue and cleans the root canal.
Sealing the root canal: The root canal is filled with a special material to prevent bacteria from entering and causing an infection.
Restoration of the tooth: The tooth is usually restored with a filling or crown to restore its form and function.
It is possible that the dentist may place a temporary filling after the root canal treatment until the final dental restoration is completed. Good oral hygiene, including regular dental visits, can help to ensure the treated tooth remains healthy in the long term. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment if the tooth becomes infected again.