The root canal is the inner portion of the tooth in which the blood vessels and nerves are situated. In a healthy tooth, these tissues (called the pulp) function normally without you ever knowing they are there. However, when this part of the tooth becomes exposed to bacteria, it can become infected. The two main ways this can happen are through severe tooth decay and an injury that cracks open the tooth. In both of these instances, the inner part of the tooth becomes exposed and vulnerable to bacterial invasion.
While an infected tooth is a serious condition, the good news is that treating it is simple and quick. A root canal treatment (sometimes just called a ‘root canal’) clears out the infected tissue and seals off the interior of the tooth, saving it in the process. Without timely care, the infection could worsen or spread, leading to increased health risks and tooth loss.
