What is a Root Canal?

A tooth has two basic parts, the crown and the roots. The crown is mainly above the gum, and the roots, which attach your tooth to your jawbone, are below. Inside the tooth is a hollow area, called the root canal.

The root canal contains a substance called pulp, which is a network of nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth that senses extreme temperatures and pressure on the tooth.

If the pulp becomes injured or diseased, it dies. This can happen because of a deep cavity or damage to the tooth. Bacteria penetrate through a crack or cavity and cause infection. Eventually the tooth becomes loose, the tissue around it swells and abscesses may form beneath the tooth.