Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the root canal system). The infection is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and invade the tooth, often resulting from tooth decay, a cracked or broken tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the tooth.
During a root canal treatment, the infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown to prevent further infection. Root canal treatment can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. It is a common and effective procedure that can relieve pain and restore the health of the tooth.