What is a Root Canal?

Each tooth is supplied by nerve(s) and blood vessel(s) that travel into the tooth from the tip of its root(s) to a hollow chamber at the center of its crown where those vessels form a meshwork. Those vessels and meshwork are called PULP. Root canal is a process by which the pulp of a tooth is removed and replaced by a biocompatible material; sort of like removing the wick from a candle and replacing it by another thicker man-made wick. An opening is made thru the tooth into the hollow chamber and special instruments are used in removal of the pulp. Inside of the tooth is cleaned, shaped and filled. Once a root canal is done then the tooth most often needs a crown.

Why are root canals needed?

Pulp of a tooth can become damaged, diseased or non vital (dead). Most of the common causes are:

• Broken or cracked tooth
• deep decay or cavity
• recent or past injury to a tooth

If left untreated, an abscess can form at the tip of tooth root in the jawbone from pus formed by the tooth. This abscess can then destroy bone around the tooth root and cause mild to severe pain.

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