What Is a Root Canal?

Do you have a fractured tooth? Or a bacterial infection that has infected the soft tissue of your tooth and done damage to your tooth beyond repair?

If yes, then your dentist may likely recommend getting a root canal treatment.

But what is a root canal treatment?

Let’s find out.

Root Canals – Overview

A root canal, also known as an endodontic treatment, is a common dental procedure; however, it’s still serious.

Let’s take a closer look at what the procedure is all about and what it intends to accomplish.

On the outside, the layer of your teeth that you can see, touch, and feel is the enamel. Under the enamel is the second layer of dentin, followed by a soft inside core that goes down to the root of the teeth that’s intact in the jawbone. The core contains dental pulp, which consists of connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.

When your tooth gets a cavity or a bacterial infection that reaches the core, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. In some cases, the pulp of your tooth may even die, and your tooth may even fracture. However, it’s still important to save the root of your tooth, so it stays intact in the jawbone and continues to support your jawbone, which is critical to maintain your bone health and facial structure.

A root canal allows dentists to remove bacteria from the tooth's infected canal and prevent the infection's further spread. Once the infected pulp is removed and the nerves are dead, the root of the tooth is saved, the remaining tooth is disinfected and cleaned, and a filling is placed to seal the empty space hence saving the natural tooth.

But how would you know that your tooth’s pulp has been infected and you need a root canal treatment?

Schedule a visit with your trusted dentist at Meadows Family Dentistry and let our experts decide the treatment you need to save your teeth and maintain a healthy oral cavity. Find out more about us here.