What is a root canal?

With approximately 14 million performed every year, a root canal is one of the most common dental procedures. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is pulp, a collection of blood vessels that help to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection include visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp.