Root Canal Treatment (2/3)
What is root canal treatment?
Teeth are made up of three hard layers:
- enamel
- dentin, and
- cementum
There is a space inside the hard layers of each tooth. It is called the root canal system and it is filled with soft dental pulp. This pulp is made up of nerves and blood vessels that help the tooth grow and develop. Once a tooth is fully grown, it can survive without a pulp. If the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, then a root canal (or endodontic treatment) is needed. When this is done, the pulp is removed.
When root canal treatment is needed
The pulp inside a tooth can be damaged by cracks in the tooth, deep cavities or accidents. Germs (or bacteria) can get into the tooth and can lead to infected tooth pulp. This may cause pain and/or swelling. Sometimes, a pulp becomes infected or dies, but does not cause any pain. Your dentist may notice:
- changes in the colour of the tooth,
- changes in your gums or
- changes picked up by a dental x-ray.
Sometimes, if a great deal of dental work is needed, your dentist can tell from your exam and x-rays that the pulp of a tooth is not likely to survive.
In all these cases, root canal treatment can ease or prevent symptoms, and save the tooth.
Dentists and root canal treatment
During your regular check-up, your dentist checks for infection and damage to teeth, even though you may not notice any signs of tooth trouble. If trouble is spotted and you need a root canal, your dentist may do it, or refer you to a dental specialist with at least 2 years of extra university training in this area.
Root canal specialists are called endodontists. If your child's baby (or primary) tooth is damaged, your dentist may refer you to a pediatric dentist.
If you notice a problem with a tooth, do NOT wait until it hurts. Call your dentist as soon as you notice a cavity or loose filling, or injure a tooth. If you get attention quickly, there is a better chance that damage can be prevented and the tooth can be saved.
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Dr. Molly Rodgers, General Dentist - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Edmonton Alberta, Canada.
