Today, more than 14 million root canals are performed every year. In fact, a root canal is actually one of the most common dental procedures performed in the industry! Although the name of the procedure can be somewhat alarming, a root canal, surprisingly enough, can be a quick and simple procedure that has the potential to change the overall health and appearance of your smile.

At the center of your tooth is the pulp—a collection of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that help build your tooth. Oftentimes, the pulp of the tooth can become infected or inflamed by trauma such as decay, cracks, or chips resulting in sensitivity to temperature or biting, toothaches, swelling, or increased pressure around the tooth. That's where a root canal comes in.