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Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed tissue inside a tooth so the natural tooth can often be saved.
Overview
A root canal may be recommended when decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work inflames or infects the tooth pulp. The treatment cleans and seals the inside of the tooth. A crown may be needed afterward to protect the tooth from fracture.
Key takeaways
- ✓Root canal treatment is meant to save a natural tooth.
- ✓Deep decay, abscess, or lingering cold pain may indicate pulp involvement.
- ✓Pain usually improves after the infected source is treated.
- ✓A final restoration or crown is important for long-term success.
What you can do
- 1Avoid chewing hard foods on a tooth awaiting treatment.
- 2Take prescribed medicines exactly as advised.
- 3Return for final filling or crown even if pain improves.
- 4Maintain daily cleaning to prevent new decay around the restoration.
When to book a dentist
- !Tooth pain lingers after cold or heat.
- !There is swelling, pus, or a pimple on the gum.
- !A tooth darkens after trauma.
- !A dentist has identified deep decay near the nerve.