The mention of the phrase "root canal" throws some people into a panic, but it is a necessary procedure to treat a damaged or infected tooth. Seeing an endodontist (a dental specialist who deals with diseases within the tooth) is not a terrifying venture when you know what to expect----a modern procedure that painlessly removes a tooth's diseased pulp.
The Basics
A tooth consists of two parts: the crown of the tooth (what is seen above the gums) and the root of the tooth (what is beneath the gums). Enamel covers the crown, but not the roots. Dentine and pulp lie underneath the exterior of the crown. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerve endings----it keeps the tooth alive. The pulp extends through the roots of the tooth via the root canals. Some teeth, like incisors, only have one root, while molars have four.
Causes
You may need a root canal if there is damage to the pulp or an infection in the pulp. Fractures or sometimes even routine dental work can damage the pulp, but untreated cavities are the leading cause of pulp infections, according to Colgate.com. Pulp infections do not respond to antibiotics. Symptoms of infection include heat and cold sensitivity, swelling, and pain when chewing or biting. See your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.
Method
A root canal involves removing the diseased or damaged pulp. To do this, the endodontist first numbs the area, usually locally, but sometimes with a sedative like nitrous oxide. Then he drills a hole in the crown and removes all the pulp with specialized tools. This includes the pulp in the actual root canals. He then cleans the inside of the tooth with antiseptic solution and fills the canals with a material called gutta-percha. Finally, the endodontist temporarily fills the hole in the crown with a filling.
Crowns
A permanent crown replaces the temporary filling. A crown, which is sometimes called a "cap," is shaped like a tooth and made from metal, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. First, a dentist will make an impression of your tooth and send the impression to a lab, according to Colgate.com. While your permanent crown is being made, your dentist will give you a temporary plastic crown. A second visit is required to place the permanent crown. The crown covers the entire tooth above the gums and is bonded with cement.
Misconceptions
Just because you have had a root canal or have had a crown put in does not mean that you will lose the tooth a few years down the line. According to Colgate.com, if you have a crown and take proper care of it--in other words, make sure to brush it and floss it like normal teeth--it can last for many years.
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