What Is a Root Canal? In dentistry, the root canal is the soft
nerve in the tooth that is covered by the hard enamel outer
layer. The root canal, as a nerve, is sensitive and vulnerable
to high pain levels if it is impacted by decay or other issues.
Dentists work with the root canal to alleviate some issues with
the nerve. Root Canal Procedure The root canal procedure is also
called endodontic therapy. This might happen if the patient
begins to experience a lot of pain because of decay of the tooth
or other issues. The patient will generally see a periodontist
who will advise on the issues that are making the root canal
procedure necessary and identify both an immediate and a general
strategy for protecting overall dental health. A root canal is
done with local anesthetic. The dentist often works to change
the way the nerve experiences a stimulus. This can lead to less
pain in the tooth. A tooth can still “work” with a dead nerve,
and a root canal procedure is a way of making a hurt tooth
functional again. Be