Treatment for Infected or Decayed Teeth
When a tooth becomes badly infected or decayed, a root canal may be needed. During this treatment, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. If treatment is neglected, the gum surrounding the tooth could become infected, and abscesses could form.
A “root canal” is the central cavity inside a tooth. The pulp, or pulp chamber, is the soft inside of the central cavity. The nerve lies within the root canal. The nerve is not critical to a tooth’s function or health. The only function of the nerve is sensory—to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
A “root canal” is the central cavity inside a tooth. The pulp, or pulp chamber, is the soft inside of the central cavity.
