Our Blog

A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth and the subsequent sealing of the inner space. The pulp consists of soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It lies in the hollow inner cavity of your teeth called the pulp chamber. 

When the pulp becomes infected, often due to untreated tooth decay or damage, it can cause severe tooth pain and require a root canal. Decay allows bacteria to work down into the tooth’s inner pulp tissue. This can then lead to an abscess if the infection spreads. The goal of a root canal is to clear out this infected or exposed dental pulp so the tooth can be saved.

During a root canal, the dentist will numb the area, drill an access hole through the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber, and use special dental files to remove all of the soft pulp tissue from inside the roots. The roots may have several small root canals that need clearing. Once the canals are fully cleaned out, the hollow spaces are disinfected and sealed up.

Finally, a rubber-like filling called gutta percha is inserted into the cleaned root canals to fill them completely and prevent recontamination. The access hole in the tooth is also permanently sealed. A temporary or permanent crown is placed on top to restore full function. The tooth is now free of infection and saved from extraction.

Root canals are needed when the inner tooth pulp becomes severely irritated, inflamed, or infected. The most common causes include deep untreated cavities, chips or cracks that allow bacteria inside, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, or trauma like a hard hit that damages the pulp. Symptoms requiring a root canal may include severe toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, swelling, tenderness to touch, or pus discharge.

Root canals allow dentists to remove disease and save a damaged tooth that would otherwise require extraction. However, they do not prevent future decay or gum disease. It is crucial to take extra care of a tooth after a root canal to keep it healthy with diligent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. With proper ongoing care, a tooth that has had a root canal can often last a lifetime.