Root canals often evoke fear, but preserving your natural tooth whenever possible is always preferable to extraction. Nothing looks, feels or functions quite like your natural teeth. Choosing to consult an endodontist for a conservative intervention to save your natural tooth is always advisable.
So, what exactly is a root canal, and why is it the better option? Emanouela Carlson, DDS ’09, associate professor and chair of the Division of Endodontics at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM), shares her expertise.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.