What is a Root Canal?

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What is a Root Canal?

A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to save a natural tooth that has become severely infected or damaged. The treatment involves removing inflamed or infected pulp from the soft inner chamber of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This pulp can become compromised due to deep decay, repeated dental failures, or trauma.

The procedure follows a straightforward process:

  1. A dentist administers local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
  2. A small access opening is created in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
  3. The root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to remove infected tissue.
  4. The canals are filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha and then sealed.

By cleaning and sealing the root canal system, the source of infection is eliminated while the tooth’s structure is maintained. This procedure is highly effective, with success rates over 90 percent, and is generally preferred over tooth extraction because it preserves natural chewing function and aesthetics.

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