Root Canal Treatment
A root canal, or endodontic treatment, is performed to treat infection, inflammation, or damage to the pulp (inner tissue) of a tooth. Also known as pulp therapy, this procedure helps save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.
Root Canal Procedure:
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the tooth.
Isolation
A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva.
Accessing the Pulp
An opening is made in the tooth’s crown to reach the pulp chamber.
Cleaning and Shaping Canals
The infected or damaged pulp is removed, and the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and shaped.
Filling
The cleaned canals are filled with a material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent re-infection.
Restoration
After the root canal, the tooth is reconstructed with a permanent filling or crown, depending on the damage.