What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a type of endodontic treatment that deals with the inside of the tooth. The tooth consists of several layers — the outer white enamel, the harder layer underneath called dentin, and the final layer of soft tissues called the pulp chamber. The innermost pulp chamber contains blood vessels, nerves, and other essential components. The pulp tissues enter the root canal, which connects the pulp chamber to the tissues around the root.
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure that treats dental infections in the root canal, i.e., the innermost part of the tooth. The procedure generally involves removing all the infected pulp tissues and nerves from the pulp chamber and root canal, disinfecting the root canal, and then sealing it closed. If you have tooth decay that’s reached the root canal, the root canal treatment is your last chance to save the tooth.