Root Canal Treatment
A “root canal” is not a dental procedure in and of itself, but is actually the name for the area comprising the root of a tooth.
A root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, is the name of the procedure by which the root of the tooth is cleaned out from infection caused by prolonged inflammation. This inflammation can be caused by trauma, fractures or an advanced cavity.The sensitive cellular material inside the tooth’s root, known as pulp, is made up of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. During root canals, the contaminated pulp is removed and the area is cleaned, rendering the root structure “decontaminated and sealed.”Despite the procedure’s reputation, root canal treatments don’t have to be painful. (The Levy Dental Group dentists ensure the procedure is pain-free.) But it’s important that potential tooth infections are promptly addressed. Not only can they result in extraction, but serious infections can weaken the entire immune system. Be on the lookout for symptoms including pain (constant or when biting down), temperature sensitivity, swelling or a lingering bad taste in the mouth. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended as soon as possible for restoring a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.