Root canal therapy is required when the tooth’s nerve has been affected by decay or infection. To save the tooth, the pulp, nerves, and any bacteria are removed. The resulting space is filled with a special medicated material to restore the tooth. A root canal treatment helps patients keep a tooth that would otherwise die. Extracting the tooth can be more costly in the event that the tooth has to be replaced. Root canal treatment is highly successful and can last your entire lifetime. On occasion, a tooth may need to be retreated due to new infections
How is a root canal performed?
While numb, a rubber dam is wrapped around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva. An access opening is created in the tooth and then removal of the infected portion of the dental pulp. After cleaning the area, your dentist will seal the canal and fill the cavity with a permanent filling or crown.