Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. It is also known as endodontic therapy. During a root canal procedure, the dentist or endodontist removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth's interior, cleans and disinfects the pulp chamber and root canals, and fills them with a filling material. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

The root canal procedure typically involves several steps, including:

1. Numbing the area around the tooth with local anesthesia.
2. Creating an access hole in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
3. Removing the infected or damaged pulp using small instruments called files.
4. Cleaning and shaping the pulp chamber and root canals to remove all the infected tissue.
5. Filling the root canals with a biocompatible filling material, usually a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha.
6. Sealing the access hole with a filling material.

After the root canal procedure, the tooth may feel sensitive or sore for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The dentist may also prescribe antibiotics if the infection was severe.

It's important to follow good oral hygiene practices after a root canal to prevent further decay and infection. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. With proper care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last a lifetime.