Root canal (Endodontics) is a dental treatment that tackles infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system).
When the blood or nerve supply of the tooth has become infected, the infection will spread, and the tooth may need to be taken out if root canal treatment is not carried out.
During treatment, all the infection is removed from inside the root canal system. The root canal is filled, and the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown to stop it from becoming infected again.
The root canal is performed under local anaesthesia. Your tooth and gums might feel sore when the numbing medication wears off. Your gums may also swell. Most dentists will have you treat these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Besides, you will need to void chewing with the damaged tooth until it is permanently filled, or a crown is placed over the top. The whole root canal treatment usually requires 2 or more visits to your dentist.
The root canal is considered a ‘restorative’ procedure. Most people who undergo the procedure can enjoy positive results for the rest of their lives. Still, how long results last depends on how you take care of your teeth.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-treatments/