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What is a Root Canal?
At the core of the tooth is soft tissue (otherwise
known as pulp). The hollow area that houses this soft
tissue contains a space towards the top of the tooth
called the pulp chamber. This pulp chamber is connected
to the root of the tooth via pipe-like canals, giving rise
to the term "root canal". The blood vessels in these canals
provide nutrition to the tooth. Occasionally, the internal
soft tissue of the tooth becomes infected and can result
in a serious infection if left untreated. Root canal treatment
should take place before the infection gets too serious.
Technically "root canal" is not the name of the procedure but
refers instead simply to the thin tubes that connect the pulp
chamber and the tip of the tooth's root. In fact, the procedure
that laymen refer to as a "root canal" is actually known as a
pulpectomy to dentists. A pulpectomy is an endodontic treatment
to cure an infected root canal. In the old days, damage to the
core of a tooth usually meant it had to be removed. Today, however,
a "root canal" procedure (or pulpectomy) disinfects and refills
the inside of the tooth, thus preventing pain and limiting
damage to the tooth.
The Root Canal Treatment Procedure
The tooth is first anesthetized then a hole is made
down into the pulp. Dr. Solway uses tiny instruments
to extract the remaining pulp from the tooth, thoroughly
disinfecting the tooth canal in the process. Once disinfected,
the interior of the tooth is filled with an inert
material that helps prevent further infection.
Contact us today to set up an appointment
for a root canal treatment with Dr. Solway.
Don't hesitate to contact us to discuss any aspect of your dental health - we don't charge for giving advice!
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