A root canal becomes necessary when the inner root, or “pulp,” of the tooth becomes infected due to long-term neglect or decay, and infected particles find their way into the tooth root. This infection can then cause moderate to severe pain, and a tooth extraction may become necessary. However, a root canal aims to alleviate this pain and remove this infected material from within the tooth, and replace the inner tooth pulp with synthetic materials that protect the tooth from future infection.

Before your dentist performs a root canal, you’ll be given an injection of local anesthesia. This is the part of the procedure that many patients, funny enough, find the most discomforting. After this, your dentist will access the tooth root, remove any infected materials, and then fill the area with a synthetic material. Your tooth is now saved from extraction, so long as a strong oral health regimen is maintained!