Root Canals

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Root Canals

A “root canal” is the treatment of the pulp of the tooth that is inflamed, infected, or dead. The pulp is a soft substance in the center of the tooth that consists of nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp chamber is the hollow part in the center of the tooth that contains the pulp, and it continues down canals that extend through the roots of teeth and into the surrounding bone. Some roots have more than one root canal, but all have at least one canal.

When the root canal is treated, the pulp of the tooth is removed and all the canals and pulp chamber of the tooth are filled and sealed to prevent bacteria from entering.  The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth but usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.  Root canal therapy normally takes one visit and, if infection is present, may be done in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

The following are some of the more common reasons for needing a root canal.

• Pain: This is the most common system and includes sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain when biting or if pressure is put on the tooth.
• Abscess: An abscess forms when the pulp of the tooth dies and a pus pocket forms around the end of the root. The pus accumulates in an area of dead nerve tissue that is infected with bacteria.  An abscess that is left untreated will continue to grow and infect the bone around the root of the tooth and may spread into surrounding bone and tissues.  Signs of an abscess include a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.
• Deep cavity: If tooth decay extends deep into the tooth and reaches the pulp, the pulp will become infected with bacteria.
• ToothTrauma
• Tooth Fracture