What is a root canal? Do they hurt?
Surprisingly enough the root canal procedure itself is often painless! Pain most often arises due to an infection (abcess) rather than the procedure itself. A root canal is the treatment that is required when the nerve of the tooth dies and/or becomes infected due to tooth decay or trauma. A root canal is accomplished by first anesthetizing the tooth, making a small access into the tooth, and removing the nerve tissue inside the tooth. Then, the interior of the tooth is cleaned and shaped in order to seal the canals where the nerves once were. Antibiotics are sometimes required in conjunction with the root canal therapy. A crown is often needed after a root canal, especially on the posterior teeth.
