What is root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy refers to the process by which a dentist treats the inner aspects of a tooth, specifically that area inside a tooth that is occupied by its "pulp tissue." Most people would probably refer to a tooth's pulp tissue as its "nerve." While a tooth's pulp tissue does contain nerve fibers it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue.

What is the function of a tooth's nerve tissue?

Initially a tooth's nerve tissue plays an important role in the formation and development of the tooth. Then, once the tooth has formed, the function of this tissue becomes one of helping to preserve the tooth's health and vitality. The nerve tissue keeps the organic components of the tooth's mineralized tissues (dentin and enamel) supplied with nutrients and moisture. The nerve tissue also produces new tooth structure (reparative dentin) as is needed so to help to wall off and protect the nerve from insult or injury (such as advancing tooth decay).

A tooth's nerve tissue does provide a sensory function but this role is probably different from what you expect. Under normal circumstances the nerves inside our teeth provide us with very little information. Yes, when activated by extremes in pressure, temperature, or severe insult (such as a cracked tooth or advancing tooth decay) teeth do respond with a painful sensation. But under normal circumstances the nerves inside our teeth remain relatively "quiet."

At this point you might be thinking that if you push on your tooth with a finger or close your teeth together you will feel a pressure sensation. Because of this you might assume that that sensation must come from the nerve inside the tooth. Well, in reality, that sensation comes from the nerves found in the ligament that binds the tooth to the jawbone, not from inside the tooth itself. This implies then, from a standpoint of the normal functions we perform with our teeth, that the presence of a live nerve inside a tooth is somewhat academic. If a tooth's nerve tissue is present and healthy, wonderful. But if a tooth has had its nerve tissue removed as a part of root canal treatment then that's fine too. You will never miss it.

Root Canal : What You Should Know?

If you're facing a root canal, you might have a lot of questions about it. What it is ? Why is it necessary? What happens during a root canal? These are common questions for anyone who might be facing this dental procedure.

A root canal is basically a treatment used to repair and help save a permanent tooth that has been badly decayed or infected. It is a fairly common dental procedure in which the nerve and pulp are removed from the root canal area and the inside of the tooth is cleaned out and then sealed to prevent further decay.

A root canal is usually performed to prevent the tissues in the area around the tooth from becoming badly infected. When this happens, an abscess can form and the tooth is almost always lost eventually.

The pulp needs to be removed because it will break down when damages and bacteria will begin to form. This bacteria will cause infection that can spread to the gums and nearby teeth as well. This can cause swelling in the gums and to other areas such as the face, neck or head and bone loss at the top of the root.

What are some signs that you might need to have a root canal?

• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
• Severe pain, especially when chewing or pressure on the tooth
• Prolonged sensitivity to heat and cold, even after the hot or cold has been removed
• Persistent or recurring pimple on the gum area
• Swelling and tenderness on the gum and nearby gums

If you are experience some or all of these symptoms, it's very important that you see your dentist immediately before the tooth is damaged beyond repair. If the damage has gone too far for a root canal to help or if the root canal fails to correct the problem, the tooth will usually need to be extracted.