(HealthDay News) -- Millions of teeth are treated by root canal each year, says the American Association of Endodontists. Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth.
The procedure often is the best way to relieve serious pain and bring a tooth back to health.
Patients are given anesthesia for the procedure, so it typically is not painful. However, a root canal can be sore, numb or uncomfortable for a few days.
