The root canal system of a natural tooth extends from the tip of the tooth to end of the root, and contains the pulp, which is the soft tissue material comprising blood vessels and nerves, at the centre of the tooth. In the event that the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it must be removed and the area disinfected in order to save the tooth. Dental material can then be added to the root canal to maintain proper function of the tooth. This entire process of saving the tooth is known as root canal treatment.
There are several reasons why people choose root canal therapy, including:
1. Biologically-friendly
The only other treatment option for a tooth with an infected pulp is extraction of the tooth. But canine teeth or molars are large and functionally important teeth, such that removing them would pose a challenge, in addition to creating a large wound that needs careful management.
2. Cost-saving by eliminating the need for additional dental work
Extraction would then be followed by replacement with partial dentures, bridgework, or implants to restore chewing function, aesthetic of your smile, and to keep adjacent teeth from shifting. But since all these options require either surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, they tend to be more time consuming and expensive than restoration of the tooth with root canal therapy.
3. Durability
As effective as tooth replacement are, nothing is as good as a functioning natural tooth with the ability to last for many years to come. Because the tooth root remains intact, the restored tooth is firm and continues to stimulate the underlying bone like your other healthy teeth for strong jaw development.
4. Restored normal function
Endodontic treatment is successful in over 95% of cases, and can help you continue to eat your favorite foods, maintain your natural smile, and eliminate the need for ongoing dental work, as a restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.
Final note
Root canal is not as scary and painful as people perceive it. Modern techniques and effective anaesthetics make the procedure just as painless and comfortable as any other dental treatment. And once its complete, the pulp (nerve) will be removed and the tooth restored so you can function normally with no pain or discomfort.