Root canal therapy is something everyone has heard of (and fears), but not many know what is involved in the procedure. It is done for teeth that are dying or already dead, and is our last chance at keeping the tooth in the mouth before it needs to be removed.
Inside each tooth, there is a pulp chamber which is filled with nerves and blood vessels. This chamber has canals that extend down each root of the tooth. Depending on the tooth, there can often be more than one canal per root. When it gets infected by bacteria, both the pulp chamber and canals need to be cleaned and disinfected, and filled with a rubber-like substance to prevent bacteria from re-entering it.
Once the tooth is sealed off, it can be used just like any of your other tooth. Often a crown is recommended after the root canal therapy is done to further strengthen the compromised tooth.
© Dr. E. Y. Choi Dental Office, 2020. All Rights Reserved. Information presented on this site is intended for educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation and diagnosis by a dentist. Please see your local dentist to get the appropriate diagnosis and management solution for your particular needs.
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