Root canal treatment entails removal of the infected or irritated pulp tissues that lie within the tooth root. The infected pulp tissue causes pain. After the infected pulp tissue is removed, and the space is cleaned, the root canal is sealed with a sterile plastic material to prevent further damage.
Root canal therapy is indicated for a tooth that is severely decayed or for a tooth injury that causes an infection in the bone.
To put a crown on a tooth that has had root canal treatment, it is sometimes necessary to insert a post. A post is a metallic or fiber structure placed within the tooth. It is placed after removing some of the root canal filling material. A filling is then placed in the tooth, which is called a core. The post and core make a strong foundation for placing the crown and it gives the tooth a long life.
