Root Canal
(Endodontics)
Root canal means that the dental pulp is removed and the root canals are filled. Pulp inside the tooth is composed of blood vessels and nerve tissue. Root filling is done in two steps at approximately two week intervals. The most common reason that a tooth needs a root canal is that the pulp has become infected.
Root canal may be necessary if a tooth gets a deep caries or receive a strong blow to the detriment of the pulp. If the dental pulp is infected, the body's own defenses cannot access the bacteria. The tooth must then be cleaned and the root canal.
A healthy tooth is composed of a visible crown and a root that attaches to the bone. Within the tooth pulp chamber is composed of blood vessels and nerve tissue. Pulp cavity continues into the root. Nerves and blood vessels have a connection to the bloodstream and nervous system through an opening at the root.
If the pulp is damaged, it can die. If the damage is allowed to develop further, spreading the infection through the root tip to the jawbone. By then the damage is visible on x-ray.
When does one need a root canal fixed?
The most common reason for root canal is that the tooth has a deep caries, that is, you have a hole in the tooth. Bacteria from caries attack have reached the pulp chamber that has become inflamed or infected. Another reason may be a significant blow to the tooth so that the pulp has been damaged.