A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to remove inflamed or infected pulp on the inside
of the tooth which is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Root canal
treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of
the tooth and save the natural tooth. What happens during root canal treatment? Learn more
about this quick, comfortable procedure that can relieve your pain and save your natural
tooth. here’s no need to be worried if your dentist or endodontist prescribes a root canal
procedure to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are treated and saved this
way each year, relieving pain and making teeth healthy again.

Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue
called pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which help grow
the root of your tooth during its development. A fully developed tooth can survive without
the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

A modern root canal treatment is nothing like those old sayings! It’s very similar to a routine
filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition
of your tooth and your personal circumstances. Getting a root canal is relatively painless and
extremely effective. You will be back to smiling, biting and chewing with ease in no time.

Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:

• Efficient chewing
• Normal biting force and sensation
• Natural appearance
• Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain

Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or issues
from a previous filling. Patients generally need a root canal when they notice their teeth are
sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations. 

There are a few symptoms that mean you might need a root canal-

 Severe pain while chewing or biting

 Pimples on the gums
 A chipped or cracked tooth
 Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
 Swollen or tender gums
 Deep decay or darkening of the gums
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Although you will most likely be numb for 2-4 hours following the procedure, most patients
are able to return to school or work directly following a root canal. However, it is advised
against eating until the numbness is completely gone. 

How much does a root canal cost? 
The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected.
Molars are more difficult to treat; the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance policies
provide some coverage for endodontic treatment.

Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than
the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with an
implant or bridge to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These
procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate