Root Canal Treatment

Your teeth contain several layers: the outer protective enamel, a secondary layer of sensitive dentin, and an inner pulp that contains components commonly referred to as the “nerve” of the tooth. Each pulp chamber branches off, forming canals that lead toward the tooth root tip.

These “root canals” provide a means for the tooth to absorb what it needs from the blood and get rid of toxins or other unnecessary materials via the blood stream. Severe tooth decay, a deep cavity, traumatic injury, or tooth fracture can make the canal susceptible to bacterial infection, which can kill the pulp, and create infection pressure within and below the tooth.

This can cause severe tooth pain and may initiate bone degeneration, tooth loss, and even more acute pain if an abscess forms in the jaw, underneath the tooth. If you visit a dentist in the early stages of this condition, the tooth may be saved with a root canal. Otherwise, it should be extracted and replaced with a bridge or an implant.

Root canal therapy allows the dentist to remove the pulp, clean the canal and seal the tooth, effectively protecting and saving the tooth. After an opening is created through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber, the pulp is removed, the canal cleaned out and the pulp chamber is permanently filled. The dentist will place a temporary filling and later replace it with a permanent filling and/or crown depending on the position of the tooth in your mouth.

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