What is a Root Canal?

Just the phrase “root canal” creates anxiety and stress for some patients. However, there is no need to be worried if your dentist or endodontist prescribes a root canal procedure to treat your damaged or diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are treated and most importantly saved this way each year, relieving pain and making teeth healthy and functional again.

Inside your tooth, below the top layer called enamel, and the second layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. This particular tissue contains blood vessels and nerves. If a cavity or crack is left untreated, bacteria enters the tooth through the access points and gets into the nerve causing irritation, inflammation and infection. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed and the inside is cleaned and sealed. The function of the nerve is to allow for sensory – to allow the sensation of hot or cold to be felt. The absence of a nerve won’t affect how your tooth works.

Once, the treatment of the root canal is finished, it is incredibly essential that a crown is placed on the tooth shortly after endodontic treatment. Having a crown placed will help the tooth stability and offer strength back to the tooth to protect against further cracks, breaks and decay as long as proper hygiene is accounted for. Having your tooth prepared for a crown is not much different from a regular crown procedure aside from filling the access hole where the endodontist cleaned the canals out. Dr. Still will prepare around the tooth and on top, fill the access hole and prepare the tooth for the new crown. Shortly after, you will return to have your crown permanently cemented and your tooth will be back to working order.

 

If you feel that your tooth may be compromised by decay or cracks leading to pain and discomfort, give our office, Smile Sarasota a call and make an appointment to have an evaluation.