Endodontics & Root Canals

The “nerve” of a tooth, also known as the pulp, is what remains of the original embryonic bud that formed the tooth itself.  After the tooth erupts, shrinkage of the pulp occurs and, in some teeth, disappears entirely.  In normal function, the nerves in the pulp serve as a warning system for teeth.  Part of the pulp is the blood supply needed to keep these nerves healthy.

The pulp exists in narrow canals which lie in the center of each tooth root.  When the pulp becomes inflamed or dies from decay or trauma, these canal spaces become infected.  The bone around the tooth becomes infected as well.  Untreated, an abscess will develop and the tooth can be lost.  This can be avoided.  The solution is known as root canal treatment.

The root canal process involves thorough removal of all remnants of the pulp and cleaning and shaping of the canals, all the way to the tip of the root.  This clean and disinfected space is filled with a canal sealer.  When this is done, the infection inside the tooth is gone and the bone around the tooth will heal back to normal.  The appearance of a tooth with a root canal filling is unchanged from the outside.  The treatment can only be seen on an x-ray.

Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is not painful, and the majority of the time it is not difficult.  It resolves pain if anything, and it can make the difference between keeping and losing the tooth.

Sensitivity or outright pain on a tooth may be an indication of a chronic pulp irritation or even of a pulp which has died.  Early treatment is important.  If you are having symptoms the cause of the problem should be determined.  Give us a call.