ROOT CANAL
A Healthy Tooth
Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Years ago, diseased or injured teeth were removed. But today a ‘really sick’ tooth can be saved through root canal treatment. The inside of your tooth is filled with blood vessels and nerves that we call the pulp. If a pulp becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment is indicated. Common causes for pulp irritation include cavities, cracks, trauma, deep fillings and any other serious injury to the tooth. were removed. But today a ‘really sick’ tooth can be saved through root canal treatment. The inside of your tooth is filled with blood vessels and nerves that we call the pulp. If a pulp becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment is indicated. Common causes for pulp irritation include cavities, cracks, trauma, deep fillings and any other serious injury to the tooth.
A Healthy Tooth
Removing a tooth can create problems. When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the surrounding teeth may shift and/or move. This shifting can make biting and chewing difficult and may make it harder to clean your teeth. Areas that are not cleaned well are more likely to get gum disease. Root canal treatment can prevent these problems by saving your natural tooth. And generally root canal treatment is less expensive than a replacement tooth.
A Root Canal
What does a root canal involve? Your tooth is numbed for comfort. A thin sheet is placed over the sick tooth to keep it dry. An opening is made into the crown of the tooth in order to access and reach the affected (‘sick’) pulp. The pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped in preparation for a rubber like filling material. Typically a root canal treated tooth must be restored and protected by/with a crown.
How long will the root canal crowned tooth last? A properly filled root can last for many years. But like any tooth, a root canal treated tooth may develop decay, or a crack and even develop gum disease. That is why it is important to brush and floss every day and pursue regular dental exams and cleanings to keep your mouth healthy, whether you have had root canal treatment or not.