Root Canal Therapy (also called root canal treatment or endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure in which the diseased or damaged nerve (pulp) of a tooth is removed and the inside areas (the nerve or pulp chamber and root canals) are cleaned, filled and sealed permanently to avoid infection. Without treatment, the surrounding tissues of the tooth (including the gums and bone) will become infected and a dental abscess can form.
A tooth’s nerve and blood vessel provide nutrients and hydration to a tooth as well as sense of temperature. It provides the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will affect the routine functioning of a tooth. Most often, a crown is placed after root canal treatment is completed to protect the tooth and restore full function.
The inaccurate information they receive about root canal therapy prevents patients from making a properly informed decision regarding their teeth. Many patients will ask that a tooth be extracted rather than experience a root canal procedure.