What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment used to save a tooth that is badly infected or damaged on the inside. Every tooth has a soft part inside called the pulp, which has nerves and blood vessels. The pulp helps the tooth grow, but once the tooth is fully grown, the pulp is not needed anymore.

Sometimes, the pulp can get infected or hurt because of a deep cavity, a crack in the tooth, or an injury. When that happens, it can cause a lot of pain. If the infection is not treated, it can spread and even cause the tooth to fall out. A root canal helps remove the infection and keep the tooth.

Why Do People Need a Root Canal?

You may need a root canal if:

• Your tooth hurts a lot, especially when you eat or drink something hot or cold.

• You have a deep cavity that reaches the pulp.

• Your tooth is cracked or broken, and bacteria got inside.

• There is swelling or pus near the tooth.

• The tooth feels loose or dark in color.

These are signs that the pulp is infected or damaged and needs to be removed to save the tooth.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

The dentist will carefully clean out the inside of the tooth. Here’s what usually happens:

• First, the dentist numbs the area so you don’t feel pain.

• Then, they make a small opening in the tooth.

• They remove the damaged pulp from inside the tooth.

• The inside is then cleaned and shaped properly.

• After that, the space is filled with a special material to keep germs out.

• Finally, the tooth is sealed and often covered with a crown to make it strong again.

What Are the Benefits of a Root Canal?

A root canal can:

• Stop the pain caused by the infection.

• Save your natural tooth instead of removing it.

• Help you chew and bite normally again.

• Prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or your jaw.

• Avoid gaps in your mouth that may need replacement with artificial teeth.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Many people think root canals are very painful, but that is not true anymore. Dentists use numbing medicine so you don’t feel much during the treatment. In fact, the root canal is done to remove pain, not cause it.

After the treatment, your tooth might feel sore for a few days, but that goes away quickly with medicine and care.

Is There Any Risk at All?

Like any medical or dental treatment, a root canal has a few small risks, but these are very rare. For example:

• If the infection is not cleaned fully, it could come back.

• If the tooth is not sealed properly, bacteria can enter again.

• Sometimes the tooth might crack if not protected with a crown.

But dentists are very careful, and they use X-rays, strong tools, and follow safety steps to make sure everything is done correctly.

In Short:

A root canal is a safe and helpful treatment that removes the infected part inside a tooth. It helps stop pain, keeps the tooth from getting worse, and allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of losing it.