Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged  pulp tissue from inside a tooth. This pulp is made up of nerves and blood vessels that help keep the tooth alive. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause pain and can lead to an abscess (a pocket of pus) if left untreated. Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning out the inside of the tooth, and sealing and filling it to help prevent further infection.

Root canal treatment is typically needed when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or damaged. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including deep cavities, repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips in the tooth, or injury to the tooth. If the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause pain and can lead to an abscess if left untreated. Root canal treatment is usually recommended to help save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.

Root canal treatment is performed to relieve the pain of toothache caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, the vast majority of patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn’t more painful. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure & it can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.

In most cases, root canal treatment is a better option than tooth extraction because it helps to save the tooth and preserve the natural structure of the mouth. Extracting a tooth can lead to problems with biting and chewing, and it can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift, which can lead to further problems. Root canal treatment allows the tooth to be saved and restored, which can help to maintain the natural structure and function of the mouth.

In some cases, root canal treatment can be completed in a single visit. However, more complex cases may require multiple visits to complete the procedure. The number of visits needed will depend on the severity of the infection or damage to the pulp, the complexity of the tooth, and the overall health of the patient. Your dentist or endodontist (a specialist in root canal treatment) will be able to give you a better idea of how many visits will be required to complete the procedure

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with most teeth treated with this procedure lasting for many years. However, it is important to note that no dental procedure is 100% successful, and there is a small risk of the treated tooth becoming infected again or developing other problems. It is important to follow your dentist's or endodontist's instructions for caring for the treated tooth and maintaining good oral hygiene to help ensure the success of the procedure.

The cost of root canal treatment can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the tooth being treated, the location of the tooth, and the type of material used to fill and seal the tooth. In general, root canal treatment is more expensive than a simple filling, but it is typically less expensive than extracting the tooth and replacing it with a bridge or implant. It is important to discuss the cost of the procedure with your doctor.