Root canals are an everyday dental treatment that is used in treating dental teeth that are damaged or infected due to dental decay, injury, or trauma. They protect the tooth's natural structure and stop the infection from spreading to adjacent dental tissues and the gums.
The pulp located just below the tooth's hard surface contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues essential to the growth of teeth and their development. If this soft tissue is damaged, the tooth could be aching or experience other signs.
A root canal eliminates damaged or infected tissues, cleanses and seals the chamber and the tiny canals of the tooth that is affected. A filling material called gutta percha is put inside the tooth to safeguard it from damage and to maintain its normal function.