Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off
from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their
way vertically downward, until they reach the tip
of the root.
All teeth have between one and four root canals.
Many tooth problems involve infections that
spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of
the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.
from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their
way vertically downward, until they reach the tip
of the root.
All teeth have between one and four root canals.
Many tooth problems involve infections that
spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of
the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.
Root Canal Therapy
A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems including pain and sensitivity as the first indications of a problem. However, inside a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, which can lead to an abscess.
Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.
Procedure
Root canal therapy usually entails one to three
visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled
through the top of the tooth and into the inner
chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner
chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny
canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and
canals are filled with an elastic material and
medication designed to prevent infection.
If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled
until a permanent seal is made with a crown.
Most patients who have root canal experience
little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a
restored tooth that can last almost as long as its
healthy original.
Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.
Procedure
Root canal therapy usually entails one to three
visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled
through the top of the tooth and into the inner
chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner
chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny
canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and
canals are filled with an elastic material and
medication designed to prevent infection.
If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled
until a permanent seal is made with a crown.
Most patients who have root canal experience
little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a
restored tooth that can last almost as long as its
healthy original.
