PRESERVE YOUR TEETH IN NEW YORK CITY
Need a Root Canal? This Is What It Means
Has your dentist ever mentioned that you need a root canal? You’re probably wondering what “getting a root canal” actually means. Here is why the treatment may be necessary and how the procedure works.
Tooth Damage and Infection
The inside of every tooth contains pulp, commonly referred to as the nerve. It consists of blood vessels, connective tissue, lymphatic tissue, and tooth nerves. These tissues and nerves are housed within the root canal space and pulp chamber.
The tooth’s nerve can become damaged by tooth decay, a crack in the tooth, or dental work performed for a crown or filling. A vital tooth is very sensitive and may react to this trauma.
Reversible Pulpitis
The nerve of the tooth might suffer partial damage but can still repair itself in many cases. This is called reversible pulpitis.
Reversible pulpitis results in short periods of discomfort immediately followed by relief once the source of the irritation is removed.
When your dentist determines that you have reversible pulpitis, root canal treatment is not necessary. An accurate diagnosis is crucial, so a careful examination and assessment must be performed by your dentist.
Irreversible Pulpitis
When the nerve is damaged and cannot repair itself, the discomfort may become long-lasting and unrelenting. This is called irreversible pulpitis, and it indicates that the nerve may be dying.
Once the tooth’s nerve has died, bacteria from the oral cavity can enter the root canal space. These bacteria travel down the root canal and take up residence in that space.
An infection within the root canal can lead to pain, swelling, and pus as it spreads. This type of infection is called an abscess and may result in rapid bone loss around the tooth. An abscess may also spread into the spaces of the cheek or tongue, creating a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
How a Root Canal Procedure Works
To prevent further damage to the tooth, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment. The procedure, also known as endodontic therapy, involves removing the pulp, disinfecting the root canal space, and filling and sealing it.
The procedure can be complex because a tooth may have four or more root canals. Teeth also vary in their internal anatomy and may contain unusually shaped canals, curves, or complex branching.
Smaller branches near the end of the root, or apex, are called accessory canals. Multiple root canals and accessory canals can make the cleaning phase of the procedure more challenging.
If a secondary root canal goes unnoticed and is not properly cleaned and sealed, bacteria may remain inside it and cause the root canal treatment to fail.
