Root_Canals

Root Canal Therapy

Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth,
coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root.

All teeth have between one and four root canals.

Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner
chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the
infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a
tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.

A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems; pain and sensitivity are some of
the first indications of a problem; but inside, a spreading infection can cause small
pockets of pus to develop, leading to an abscess.

Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and
involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring
the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a
problem tooth. Before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the
only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.

Procedure

Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small
hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased
tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals
reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and
medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily
filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown.

Most patients who have root canal therapy experience little or no discomfort or pain,
and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.