Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The process involves removing the infected pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.
The procedure typically begins with the dentist administering local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. A small opening is then made in the top part of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. Special tools are used to remove the infected pulp and clean the canals. After cleaning, the canals are shaped and filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, and sealed with adhesive cement.
Following the root canal treatment, a temporary filling may be placed in the opening made during the procedure. Later, a permanent restoration, such as a crown, is often necessary to protect the tooth and restore its function. Root canal treatment is highly effective in saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted, allowing patients to maintain their natural smile and bite.
