What is The Purpose of a Root Canal?

The nerve of a tooth provides hot and cold sensation, but it is not essential for the tooth’s overall health and function. When a tooth has a large cavity or a crack, bacteria can enter the dental pulp and cause an infection. If left untreated, the infection can create an abscess, leading to pain, swelling, and further tooth deterioration. The infected tissue can damage your jawbones and surrounding teeth and negatively impact your overall health.

What Happens During Endodontic Treatment?

The doctor completes root canal treatment using local anesthesia and removes the diseased nerve from the tooth. After removing the infected tissue, they clean and seal the tooth. Next, they build up the tooth with white filling material. To protect the tooth and prevent future breakage, they typically place a crown over the large filling.

While root canal therapy can save many teeth, some require extraction if endodontic treatment has a low chance of success or if complications arise during or after the procedure.