Root CanalsA root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure that allows you to "save" a damaged tooth. It is performed when the pulp inside your tooth is damaged or diseased. Basically the pulp dies due to a tooth fracture or a deep cavity that has exposed the pulp to saliva. When the pulp is exposed to saliva, the bacteria that resides within the saliva causes infection. If this is left untreated, the infection will cause the pulp to die. It could cause an abscess, which could destroy the bone that supports the tooth. This can be very painful, if left untreated. This procedure usually takes a few visits to complete. It is usually performed with a local anesthetic and medicine to kill any remnants of bacteria before it is filled and crowned. You could, of course, always choose to have the tooth removed, however, there are disadvantages to losing a tooth. If there is an empty space where a missing tooth was, it will, over time, cause the rest of your teeth to "float" or shift from their normal position, leaving you with a mouth full of crooked teeth. This will decrease chewing and biting efficiency. You could choose to have a replacement tooth, an implant or a bridge, which usually are more costly than trying to save your own tooth. Root Canal therapy is 95% successful in saving your real teeth, which is always a better choice than artificial ones! As long as the root of a root canal tooth is nourished properly by the surrounding tissues, your tooth should last a lifetime! |
