One type of dentist treatment that seems to mystify those who have never had to undergo it, is root canal treatment. Because they normally hear of dental issues that refer to only teeth and gums, when root canal enters the discussion many people are unaware of what a root canal is, let alone what the treatment for it might be. So, in this article, we are going to outline the most important facts you should know about root canal treatment.
What Is A Root Canal?
To explain what a root canal is, it helps if we consider the structure of your tooth. It consists of the crown, which is the part you see. The part you cannot see which is beneath your gum and connected to your jaw bone is the root of your tooth. The interior of your tooth contains soft tissue which is called dental pulp. Dental pulp contains soft tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
This dental pulp is essential for the growth and development of teeth but once they are fully grown the pulp is effectively redundant, although it still exists within the tooth. The pulp moves from the top of the crown to the end of the root, and it is one or more root canals that it uses for that movement.
Why Is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
Root canal treatment can become necessary if the dental pulp inside your tooth becomes infected. If it does, the bacterial infection can generate several issues and the symptoms you may experience include:
- Extreme pain when you bite or chew
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- Loose tooth