A Root Canal Can Save Your Injured Tooth

When a tooth needs a root canal, it is usually because of either a deep cavity, a break, a crack, or a chip that has gone through the hard protective enamel of the tooth. Under the enamel is a softer tissue called dentin and then the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal is needed to save the tooth. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals, then fills and seals them. A crown is typically placed on the tooth afterward to protect it. Modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.