Have you been advised by your dentist that you require a root canal? If this is the case, you are not alone. Each year, more than 15 million teeth are repaired and saved via root canal, or endodontic, therapy. This website goes into depth about root canal therapy and how it may reduce tooth discomfort and save your smile.
The Greek word for “within” is “endo,” while the Greek word for “tooth” is “odont.” Endodontic therapy is used to treat the interior of the tooth. Endodontic treatment includes root canal therapy.
Understanding endodontic therapy requires some knowledge of tooth anatomy. The pulp is a soft tissue found inside the tooth, underneath the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin. During tooth development, the pulp includes blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and is responsible for the formation of the tooth’s surrounding hard structures.
The pulp runs from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots, where it links to the surrounding tissues. The pulp is essential throughout the growth and development of a tooth. However, once a tooth is fully formed, the surrounding tissues continue to provide it. Therefore, it can live without dough. Learn more about what a root canal is.
How to know if you need a root canal?
When the dough, which is the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes irritated or infected, you will need endodontic treatment. Deep decay, frequent dental operations in the tooth, or a fracture in the tooth can cause infection. Also, even if there are no obvious chips or breakage in a tooth, an injury to the tooth can lead to trouble. Untreated pulp irritation or infection can cause discomfort or progress to an abscess.
