Dental Encyclopedia · Restorative
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a treatment that preserves the natural tooth by removing and disinfecting the pulp (nerve and blood vessels) inside a tooth infected by decay or trauma, and then filling it. It is known as a method of saving the tooth instead of extracting it.
In plain terms
Put simply, when inflammation develops in the “nerve chamber” inside a tooth, it is a treatment that empties and disinfects the inside and then fills it. It is a process for keeping the tooth in use rather than pulling it out.
When decay reaches the nerve of the tooth, or the pulp becomes infected through trauma, pain and pus can develop. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, disinfects and shapes the inside of the root canal, and then seals it with filling material.
Treatment usually requires several visits, and after treatment the tooth becomes weaker, so a crown restoration is known to be recommended to prevent fracture. Difficulty and prognosis vary from person to person with the condition of the tooth and the shape of the root canals.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
- Q. Does a root-canal-treated tooth have to have a crown?
- A tooth that has completed root canal treatment is known to become weaker and to carry a higher risk of fracture, so a crown is recommended in many cases, particularly for molars that take a lot of chewing force. It varies with the position of the tooth and how much sound tooth structure remains, so we advise you after diagnosis.
This entry is for general information. Diagnosis and treatment depend on individual conditions.