Why It's Needed
A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside a tooth — the pulp — becomes infected or inflamed, usually from deep decay, a crack, or trauma to the tooth. Left untreated, that infection can spread, cause an abscess, and eventually mean the tooth can't be saved. A root canal removes the infected tissue so the tooth itself can stay in your mouth instead of being extracted.
What to Expect
The procedure involves numbing the area, removing the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and shaping the space, and sealing it back up. Most root canals are completed in one or two visits, and a crown is often placed afterward to protect the tooth long-term, especially on back teeth that do a lot of chewing work. Modern numbing techniques mean the procedure itself is generally no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
Afterward
Some mild soreness for a few days is normal as the area settles, and over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage it well. A root-canal-treated tooth can last for many years, especially once it's protected with a crown. It's still your natural tooth root — just without the source of infection that was causing trouble.
Questions About This?
We're always happy to talk through your specific situation in more detail — call us or book a visit anytime.