A root canal is done if you have an infection that affects the nerve in the root of a tooth. Generally, there is pain and swelling in the area. The infection can be the result of a tooth crack, cavity, or injury.Without treatment, the tooth may become so damaged that it must be removed.
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to treat infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system). Root canal treatment is also called endodontics.
The infection is caused by bacteria that live in the mouth and invade the tooth when:
- tooth decay occurs
- fillings leak
- teeth are damaged by trauma, such as a fall
- Tooth structure
A tooth is made up of two parts:
- The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth.
- The root extends into the bone of the jaw, anchoring the tooth in position.
These are composed of the following structures:
Enamel is the hard outer coating of a tooth.
Dentine is a softer material that supports the enamel and forms most of the tooth.
Cementum is a hard material that coats the root surface.
Dental pulp is the soft tissue at the centre of the tooth.
Why Would You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is needed for two main reasons. The first is infection. An untreated cavity is a common cause of pulp infection. The decay erodes the enameland dentin of the tooth until it reaches a root canal. This allows bacteria to infect the pulp. Antibiotics can’t get to infections inside teeth. The inflammation caused by the infection reduces the blood supply to the tooth. The reduced blood supply also keeps the pulp from healing.
The second reason for a root canal is damage to the pulp that can’t be fixed. Trauma or a fractured tooth can damage the pulp. So can a lot of restoration, such as severalfillings placed in the same tooth over a period of time. Sometimes, common dental procedures, such as preparing a tooth for a crown, can hurt the pulp. Then the tooth might need a root canal.
Remember that Healthy Smiles are Confident smiles!!!
Arlington Family Dentistry
(817) 259-1385
3100 Matlock Rd Suite #103 Arlington, TX 76015
