What is root canal treatment?

A root canal is a procedure where the pulp of the tooth is cleaned out of any dead nerves, blood vessels, bacteria and decay. This is typically performed only when the tooth is dying or dead. This can result from decay, trauma, fracture or foreign objects reaching the pulp or nerve of the tooth. The root of the teeth is not removed or cut out. Once the root chamber of the tooth is cleaned out it is disinfected and filled with a biocompatible rubber material.

What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?

A toothache which lingers to heat or cold for longer than 10 seconds is beginning to suffer pulpal damage. Pain to chewing or touching of the tooth, facial swelling, the presence of pus, or spontaneous toothaches (especially at night and while lying) are other warning signs that a root canal is likely needed. A drastic change is tooth color to either pink or dark brown. This is another visual sign of internal bleeding or nerve death.

Why does the pulp need to be removed?

The death of the nerve then requires that a root canal be completed to remove the damaged tissue. If a root canal is not completed, then the nerve will continue to decay ultimately causing an abscess and bone infection. The only way to resolve this type of deep infection is through a root canal. Antibiotics will not work.

What happens if the pulp gets injured?

Once a pulp is injured the nerve of the tooth slowly begins to die. It is the death of the tooth which causes the infamous tooth ache that many fear. A pulp can take as little as a few days to as much as many years to die.

What is the dental pulp?

The pulp is the sterile middle core of the tooth which houses the nerves and blood vessels of a tooth. It is the source of all nutrients and life of the tooth and where all pain fibers originate from.