Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the infected pulp from the inside of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause pain, swelling, and tooth decay.

You may need root canal therapy if you have a toothache that is not responding to other treatments, such as antibiotics or fillings. Root canal therapy can also help to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth or tissues.

Root canal therapy is usually performed in two visits. During the first visit, the dentist will numb the tooth and make a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected pulp will then be removed using a variety of instruments. Once the pulp is removed, the dentist will clean and disinfect the root canals. The root canals will then be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
During the second visit, the dentist will place a crown on the tooth to protect it. The crown will help to restore the tooth’s strength and function.

Root canal therapy is generally a painless procedure. However, some people may experience some discomfort after the procedure. This discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Root canal therapy usually takes about one to two hours per visit. However, the actual time may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

The risks of root canal therapy are relatively rare. However, there is a small risk of the tooth needing to be extracted in the future.