Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a procedure that is used to save a diseased tooth. A tooth contains pulp, a substance that nourishes the tooth and contains nerves. If the pulp becomes damaged through injury or disease and cannot repair itself, bacteria and their products can leak into the pulp and cause the pulp to die. A root canal procedure is then necessary, or an abscess can form at the tip of the root and cause considerable pain.
In root canal therapy, your dentist will remove the diseased pulp, clean and shape the root, and seal it off with a temporary filling. During a follow-up visit, your dentist will remove the temporary filling, fill and seal the root canal, and place a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.
A root canal is generally a simple procedure with minor or no discomfort involving one to three visits. It will alleviate pain, restore your tooth and maintain your smile.