Root Canal Treatment

In a root canal treatment, an infected, inflamed, or necrotic pulp is removed and the remaining space is filled with an inert material. The goal of root canal treatment is to keep the tooth in the mouth rather than extracting it. During a root canal or endodontic procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed. The tooth is then restored with a crown or filling to protect it.

When the pulp of the tooth is damaged, it breaks down. Then the bacteria in the pulp begin to multiply. Bacteria and decayed deposits cause dental infections or abscesses. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads to the ends of the roots of the tooth.