A root canal treatment is one of the major dental treatments. It usually creates anxious feelings in some patients but contrary to its belief, this dental treatment is an instant pain reliever and returns the full function of a healthy tooth.
Root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp) and cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it.
Decades ago, root canal treatments were painful. With dental advances and local anesthetics, most people have little if any pain with a root canal today.
A treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. Root canals have a high success rate and are significantly less expensive than the alternative, tooth extraction and replacement with a bridge or implant.But tooth decay can still occur in treated teeth, so good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are necessary to prevent further problems.