According to Wikipedia,
a Root Canal is used to save and repair a tooth that has become infected or is
badly decayed. Root Canals are also used to repair broken teeth or restore old
fillings that are too large to refill.
During your Root Canal, your dentist will
remove the pulp and the nerve located within your tooth before cleaning and
sealing the tooth. Without Root Canal therapy, the tissue that surrounds your
tooth or teeth will eventually become infected increasing your risk of an
abscess.
Your dentist will tell you that the nerve in
your tooth is not important to the health or function of the tooth after the
tooth has erupted. The only function of the nerve is sensory providing you the
sensation of cold or hot. If you have a Root Canal, your tooth will not be
affected by daily actions such as eating, drinking, flossing, or brushing.
The soft tissue on the inside of your tooth,
also called pulp, is protected by dentin. Above your gumline, the dentin is
protected by enamel. Your dentin is protected below your gumline by cementum.
When bacteria occur in your mouth causing decay, the pulp in your tooth becomes
exposed as well resulting in infection, inflammation and eventual pulp death or
necrosis. Without treatment, the diseased portion of the tooth could reach the
bone causing serious problems.
Having a Root Canal also allows you to save
an infected tooth. A pulled tooth could result in a shift of your adjoining
teeth making chewing, biting and even speaking more difficult. Of course, you
could have the tooth replaced, but there is no artificial substitute that is as
good as your natural tooth.
If you suspect you may need a Root Canal, do
not put it off any longer and schedule an appointment with your Dentist who can
determine the next course of action. Call today.
