ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy. Once this occurs, the pulp becomes infected and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). When the pulp is infected, it must be treated and cannot heal independently. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent, and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.
A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the tooth channels. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent further disease. Usually, a core build-up and crown are recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the tooth channels. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent further disease. Usually, a core build-up and crown are recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
