Do you or have you had tooth pain
that wakes you up at night? Or noticed an oozing sore on your gums? If so, you
may need or have been told you need a root canal. But what exactly is a root
canal. Many people have heard horror stories about how awful they are but with
the advancements in dentistry root canals have gotten much better and much
easier. Millions of teeth area treated and saved each year by this procedure
alone.
Inside the tooth, under the enamel
and dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels,
nerves and connective tissue. In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive
without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the surrounding
tissues. Depending on the condition of the tooth treatment can be done in one
to two appointments with little to no discomfort.
Root canal treatment is done to the inside of the tooth where the pulp
is located. It is necessary to have this treatment when the pulp becomes
inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can be caused by deep
decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the
tooth. Trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible
chips
or cracks. If left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
During a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the
inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and
sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth
is restored with a crown. A crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is
placed over a tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its
appearance. The crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that
lies at and above the gum line.Once treatment is completed the tooth functions
just like a normal tooth.
Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!
