A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the damaged area of the tooth(the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it and then filling and sealing it. The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma.
The term "root canal" comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth's root.
A Deep InfectionRoot canal treatment is needed if tooth is infected due to any injury or a large cavity.
A Route to the RootThe dentist gives anesthesia, if needed. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber.
Removing the infected/inflamed tissueSpecial files are used to clean infection and unhealthy pulp out of canals.Irrigation is used to help clean the canals and remove debris.
Filling the canalsThe canals are filled with permanent material. This helps to keep the canals free of infection and contamination.
Rebuilding the toothA temporary filling material placed on top of the gutta-percha to seal the opening. The filling remains until the tooth receives a permanent filling and/or a crown.
Extra SupportIn some cases a post is placed into the root next to the gutta-percha. This gives the crown more support.
The crowning touchThe crown is cemented into place which looks like a natural tooth .It is placed over the top of the crown.