A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage within the pulp of a tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or injury, it can cause pain, swelling, or an abscess.
Isn’t that the most painful thing in the world?
Truth is, this is the only way to save a tooth when it starts to hurt from nerve infection. The procedure itself is painless and can be as easy as a filling.
The procedure is typically done over 2 visits: one to get you out of pain, and a second where the infection gets cleaned up. Finally, a porcelain crown is recommended to protect the weakened tooth from splitting apart.