Root Canal Treatment

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Before explaining root canal treatment, let's first understand the differences between a healthy and a diseased tooth. A Healthy Tooth A tooth consists of a crown and one or more roots. The roots anchor the tooth in the jawbone. Within the tooth is the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth. A Diseased Tooth In a diseased tooth, the pulp is infected or damaged. The causes are usually tooth decay and sometimes, trauma or gum disease. What is Root Canal Treatment? Root Canal or Endodontic Treatment removes the infected or damaged pulp from the diseased tooth. After that, the hollow pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, filled and sealed. What are the benefits of Root Canal Treatment? Root Canal Treatment saves a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. Although the pulp has been removed, the tooth is still anchored in the bone and can be used for biting and chewing. What are the alternatives to Root Canal Treatment? Extraction is the only alternative. The extracted tooth will have to be replaced by a denture, a bridge or an implant. Otherwise the neighboring teeth will move into the space, creating problems with eating and cleaning. These problems can cause gum disease and new cavities. How is Root Canal Treatment Done? An opening is made into the crown of the tooth. The pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and the root canals. The canals are then cleaned. The canals are filled with an inert material and the access opening covered with a permanent filling. In many cases, a crown is placed on the tooth. Root Canal Treatment can sometimes be completed in one visit but often several visits are needed. Back teeth usually require more time for treatment because they have more canals and are harder to reach. During Root Canal Treatment, X-rays need to be taken at each stage to assess the lengths and positions of the canals. Conclusion A Root Canal treated tooth may be slightly more brittle than a normal tooth but with the proper restoration and care, can last many years. Proper care include regular brushing, flossing, proper diet and six-monthly dental checkups. *** I extracted the above data from Singapore Dental Health Foundation. After going through halfway of the treatment, i remind myself to eat less sweet stuff and take better care of my teeth. Think once is enough for me. :/