Inside each tooth is a strand of dental pulp, a substance that supplies the tooth with nerves, nutrients, connective tissue, and blood vessels. The dental pulp laces downward into the root. If it becomes diseased, the pulp dies, cutting off the nutrients and nerve signals that the tooth needs to be healthy. If the pulp is left in the tooth, the tooth will become infected and painful, forcing its removal.

The root canal procedure lets the dentist remove the pulp, clean the canal, and seal the tooth, effectively protecting and saving the tooth. Once the opening is created through the crown of the tooth into the dental pulp chamber, the pulp is removed. Then, the canal is cleaned out and reshaped, and the pulp chamber is filled permanently. Finally, the root canal dentist will place a crown over the saved tooth to strengthen it.

After a root canal procedure, you will no longer be able to feel any pain in that tooth. Root canal procedures aren’t scary — they are designed to eliminate your pain and help you get back to your normal life. In fact, with our modern rotary technology, the process is very gentle and virtually painless.