The dental pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue and it lies within the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected or injured it can’t repair itself and it dies. When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result and in this case a root canal treatment is necessary.
A root canal treatment usually takes place over two visits. During the first visit, the dentist will remove the pulp and clean out the root canals. Medication may be put into the canals to help get rid of germs and prevent infection. The dentist will place a temporary filling to protect the tooth.
At the next visit the dentist will remove the temporary filling and clean and fill the canals. A crown may then be necessary to be placed over the tooth to help make it stronger.