A root canal is a pulp-filled canal in the root of a tooth. A tooth root can have one or more canals in it. Root canal therapy is performed to save a tooth that has an infected interior of the root, called the pulp. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected and filled with a rubber-like material. Dr. Fakhoury will then place a crown on the tooth to protect it if it has become weakened as a result of the infection.
The tooth can continue to function after root canal therapy has been performed as it is nourished by the tissues surrounding it. Doing a root canal to save a tooth has the advantage of maintaining efficient chewing and normal biting forces and maintains the adjacent teeth in position. If the tooth is too infected and cannot be saved,it should be extracted and replaced with an implant.
