Root canal treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. This can cause pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, or drainage. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, an injury to the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.

 

During root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Afterwards, you will usually return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. To learn more about the root canal procedure, watch the video below.