What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside every tooth is a natural cavity called the pulp chamber, which contains soft pulp tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment designed to repair and save teeth with inflamed or infected pulp, usually resulting from extensive decay, chips, fractures, or trauma. Root canal therapy is a relatively simple and comfortable treatment that relieves pain, saves damaged teeth, and restores healthy smiles.
Why Is a Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Inflammation or infection of a tooth’s pulp cannot heal on its own. Left untreated, the infection will progress, potentially causing oral health complications. These include an abscess of the tooth, bone loss around the root of the tooth, drainage into the cheeks or gums, or swelling of the face, neck, and surrounding areas. The infection can also enter the bloodstream and cause health complications.
The only alternative to a root canal treatment is having the affected tooth extracted. We usually recommend replacing a missing tooth using a dental implant, partial denture, or bridge to prevent complications resulting from leaving a gap in your smile. Root canal therapy offers a highly effective option to save natural teeth and restore healthy, functional smiles!