Root Canal Treatment

Related Video: Root Canal With A Crown

The structure of the tooth includes dentin, pulp and other tissues, blood vessels and nerves imbedded in the bony jaw. The tooth is protected by the hard enamel covering above the gum line.

When the pulp (the nerve tissue in the centre of a tooth) becomes infected, it can be saved with root canal treatment. Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment), is the process of removing injured, infected, or dead pulp from the center of your tooth. Your teeth are made up of different layers, and if bacteria enter a tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, your tooth can become abscessed. An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infected pulp, and can cause pain and/or swelling. An abscessed tooth can be diagnosed with the aid of an x-ray, or from other changes with the tooth.

Root canal treatment is an alternative to having the tooth pulled. Keeping your tooth helps to retain the alignment of your teeth, and prevents eventual jaw problems that can be caused from teeth that would have otherwise drifted out of line.

Root canal treatment is usually completed in one or two appointments, depending on the number of canals present in the tooth and the degree of difficulty. It is common to experience some degree of tenderness for the first week or two following root canal treatment.

It is important to note that you can still get a cavity or gum disease after having a root canal. Root canal treatment does not prevent other types of damage from occurring. It is important to schedule regular visits with your dentist and hygienist to maintain a healthy oral cavity.

This is copy of an x-ray, and it shows what a tooth looks like after having root canal therapy. Now that the root canal has been completed, this tooth requires a crown to protect it from breaking.

Related Video: Effects of Single Tooth Loss