Learn the facts about Root Canals.
What is a Root Canal?
“A root canal is the anatomic space within the root of a tooth. Part of a naturally occurring space within a tooth, it consists of the pulp chamber (within the coronal part of the tooth), the main canal(s), and more intricate anatomical branches that may connect the root canals to each other or to the surface of the root.” (Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia)
What is Endodontic Treatment?
Endodontic treatment is a root canal procedure. “Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and helps to grow the root of your tooth during development. In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.” (American Association of Endodontists, aae.org)
When is Endodontic Treatment Necessary?
“Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.” (American Association of Endodontists, aae.org)
How does Endodontic Treatment work?
“During root canal treatment, 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 or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.” (American Association of Endodontists, aae.org)
Learn more about root canals and endodontic treatment in our glossary.
Sources:
“Root Canal.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2014.
“Root Canal Treatment.” American Association of Endodontists. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2014.