Root Canal Therapy is a sequence of treatment for the infected pulp of a tooth which results in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from microbial invasion. Root canal is used to save teeth that are infected to prevent the infection from spreading. The aim of root canal is to save infected teeth from extraction.
During root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection.
WHAT CAUSES INFECTION OF THE TOOTH?
- Breakdown of a filling or crown
- Deep decay
- Trauma
- Gum disease
- Crack or chip in the tooth
- Extreme wear
- Repeated dental procedures
Symptoms may include pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discolouration, and swelling or soreness in the gums surrounding the tooth. If the pulp of the tooth is not treated quickly, severe pain and abscesses (infections at the end of the roots) can occur. If an abscess is left untreated, infection can damage the bone surrounding the root.