First to makes sure we are on the same page, we should explain what a root canal is and why it is done. When the root canal of a tooth becomes infected, it can lead to serious dental problems, including bone and tooth loss. In order to treat deep infections within a tooth, root canal therapy may be required. This treatment can save a tooth from extraction, but it can’t preserve tissue that has already been lost to decay.
- Similar to a cavity filling procedure, tissue is removed from the tooth. This requires the removal of any diseased tissue within and around the cavity. Once a cavity has reached the roots of a tooth, it has usually compromised a relatively large portion of the tooth.
- Once the dentist has access to the tooth’s roots, the infected dental pulp is removed and the roots are treated with antibiotics.