Health Article

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is needed when the nerve chamber or pulp deep within a tooth is infected or damaged. Sometimes, it can be a necessary to and maintaining good oral health.

Root canals are performed by general dentists and endodontists, who remove the pulp and replace it with a special filling that helps to save the remaining tooth structure. A typical root canal procedure includes the following steps:

1. The tooth is anesthetized and an opening is made in the crown of the tooth.
2. The doctor measures the length of the canal.
3. Unhealthy pulp is removed and the canal is cleaned and shaped.
4. The canal is filled and sealed. A metal post may be added to the tooth to add strength or to hold a crown or other restorative method in place.

It’s important to keep any follow-up appointments – as well as regular cleanings and checkups – to maintain the tooth and ensure that it will remain strong for years to come.

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