Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure aimed at saving a severely infected or damaged tooth. During this procedure, the infected pulp inside the tooth is removed, and the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection.

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to severe pain, abscess formation, and ultimately, tooth loss.

Anyone experiencing severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of the gums, or a pimple-like bump on the gums may be a candidate for root canal treatment. A thorough examination by a qualified dentist will determine whether root canal therapy is the appropriate course of action to save the affected tooth.

During the root canal treatment procedure:

1. Anesthesia: The dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a pain-free experience for the patient.
2. Accessing the Pulp: The dentist creates an opening in the tooth's crown to access the infected pulp chamber and root canals.
3. Cleaning and Shaping: Specialized instruments are used to remove the infected pulp tissue, clean the root canals, and shape them to prepare for filling.
4. Filling and Sealing: Once the root canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and a dental sealer is applied to prevent recontamination.
5. Restoration: After the root canal procedure, a dental crown or filling is placed on the tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance.

Root canal treatment not only relieves pain but also preserves the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction and ensuring continued oral health and function.