What exactly is a “Root Canal”?
A. A “root canal” is the more common term for endodontic therapy. When the nerve inside of a tooth dies or becomes infected, it is removed, and the inside of the tooth and roots are cleansed and shaped. The roots of the tooth are then filled with an inert rubber type substance to seal them off from fluids and bacteria. The tooth is usually restored with a filling, which may include a post, and a crown to cover and protect the tooth from further breakage. “Root canals” can be performed by either a general dentist or an endodontist who specializes in this area of dentistry.
A root canal is a procedure to remove the pulp tissue from a tooth because the pulp has become infected. The infection, or abcess, causes discomfort, swelling, and can even cause bone damage. By removing the infected pulp, the tooth can usually be saved. A hole is made in the top biting surface of the tooth just large enough to expose the pulp chamber. Once the pulp has been removed, medication may be placed inside the empty chamber to stop infection. Eventually the chamber and hole are refilled. It may be necessary, following a root canal, to crown the tooth.
A root canal is a procedure that is usually done on a non-vital (dead) tooth. The tooth is well frozen and the inner tissue of the tooth is removed. An antibacterial agent is used to flush out the inside of the root(s). The root(s) are then sealed in a rubber-like material and a permanent filling is placed. Root canals can be avoided by catching cavities when they are small and hidden. A painful tooth with a large cavity will usually need a root canal or an extraction.
Due to certain conditions in the pulp tissue (nerve tissue) inside of a tooth, a root canal is a treatment that removes the pulp tissue and replaces it with a specialized filling. Consider a root canal as a filling that traverses the full length of a tooth, inside the tooth. Root canal procedures have improved considerably over the past few years and, although they have a negative conotation with many patients, are basically painless and routine.
