What Is a Root Canal?
In this video, Dr. Jack Booth explains what a root canal actually does and why it’s sometimes the best way to save a natural tooth.
A root canal is a dental procedure used to save a tooth when the nerve inside has become infected, damaged, or has died. When a tooth becomes necrotic, or the pulp is exposed, bacteria travel from the mouth down into the root, causing an infection at the tip of the tooth.
During a root canal, we remove the nerve and infected tissue inside the tooth using small files. After the space is cleaned and shaped, it’s filled with a material called gutta-percha to seal it. The goal is to eliminate the infection and keep the natural tooth in place rather than extract it.
Once the root canal is completed, the tooth is usually restored with a crown. This protects the weakened tooth and helps prevent future fractures.
Contact Big Sky Dentures & Implants in Missoula, MT, for a consultation to learn how our life-changing treatments can enhance your smile, improve your function, and restore your self-confidence.
