What is The Purpose of a Root Canal?

The nerve of a tooth functions to provide hot and cold sensation, but other than that, it is not necessary to the tooth’s overall health and function. If a tooth has a large cavity or is cracked, bacteria can enter the dental pulp and cause an infection.  If not treated, that infection can cause an abscess, resulting in pain, swelling, and further deterioration of the tooth.  Not only can the infected tissue injure your jawbones and surrounding teeth, it can also be detrimental to your overall health.

What Happens During Endodontic Treatment?

Root canal treatment is completed utilizing local anesthesia where the doctor removes the diseased nerve from the tooth.  After the infected tissue is removed, the tooth is cleaned and sealed.  Next, the tooth is built up with white filling material.  A crown is typically placed over the large filling in order to protect the tooth and help prevent future breakage.
While many teeth can be saved with root canal therapy, some teeth do require extraction if the chances of success with endodontic treatment are unfavorable or if complications become evident during or after treatment.