Root Canals are necessary when the pulp, the soft
tissue inside
the root, becomes inflamed or infected.
The inflammation or infection can have
a variety of
causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures
on the tooth, or a
crack or chip in the tooth. In addition,
an injury to a tooth may cause damage
even several
years after the trauma. If the inflammation or infection
is left
untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Signs of needing a root canal. Signs to look for include
pain, sensitivity to heat or cold that
last longer than a few
seconds,, painful to touch or chew, swelling, drainage
and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone
and gum tissues. Sometimes,
however, there are no symptoms.
Root Canal Procedure. The dentist makes a small opening
in the top of the tooth. Instruments
are used to clean the pulp
from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape
the space
for filling.
After the space is cleaned and shaped, the dentist fills the
canals
with a bio-compatible material, usually a rubber-like
material called “gutta-percha.”
The gutta-percha is placed with
cement to ensure complete sealing of the canals.
After the Root Canal is finished the dentist will place a crown
to restore and protect the tooth so that it can function properly.
