What Is a Root Canal?

In this video, Dr. Karen Becerra-Penagos explains what a root canal is, when it’s truly needed, and why early treatment is often the difference between saving a tooth or losing it.

A root canal is a procedure used when the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected. This usually happens when a cavity or bacteria reaches the nerve. When that nerve becomes damaged and starts to die, it can lead to infection, swelling, and significant pain.

During a root canal, the unhealthy nerve tissue is carefully removed. The space where the nerve was is then cleaned and filled with a specialized material. This stops the infection and allows the tooth to remain in the mouth rather than be removed. If a root canal is not performed, the infection will continue to worsen and, over time, the tooth will likely need to be extracted.

At Healthy Habit, our doctors are highly experienced in performing root canals. Dr. Myrna, in particular, is known for her skill and attention to patient comfort. She focuses on providing high-quality care while keeping the procedure as comfortable as possible. If you need a root canal, we encourage you to come see us so we can properly address the problem.

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