The space inside the tooth from the center, known as the pulp chamber, that travels down the length of the root to the tip is called a canal, or more specifically, a root canal. Human teeth may have one to four of these.
The specific amount they have is dependent on the anatomy of the dentil. Molars may have two to four canals while premolars may have one to two.
Cuspids may have one to two canals, and incisors generally have one. Extra may branch out from the main one, and are referred to as accessory canals.
The number of canals and the anatomy can vary among teeth. The tiny ones contain the pulp of the tooth also commonly referred to as the nerve.
The nerve originates from the pulp chamber. Any trauma or infection of the nerve will result in the need for root canal therapy.
Common reasons for the procedure include decay that invades the tooth and penetrates through the enamel, dentin, and in to the pulp. Another reason is if a dentil has become abscessed or infected from decay.
Trauma, such as a chipped or broken tooth, occurs and results in the exposure of the nerve, causing need for the procedure. If a tooth is slowly dying, due to aging or past trauma that did not result in the need for treatment at the time of injury.
Root canal therapy can be performed in single or multiple visits. Before the procedure your dentist will advise you as to the number of appointments necessary to complete the procedure.
If you had an infection or abscess, the doctor may choose to have you start antibiotics before completing the procedure. Your dentist will begin the appointment by giving you local anesthetic to numb the area that is being worked on.
After your mouth is numb, you will get a dental x-ray which will display the entire dentil in the film. This is taken for the doctor to refer to during the procedure.
The dentist will then place a rubber dam over your mouth. This plastic shield, made from either latex or non-latex materials, is used to keep the tooth isolated from your saliva.
Your mouth needs to be very dry before the final steps are taken to complete the procedure. The dentist will use different chemical solutions to disinfect the inside of the tooth.
The rubber dam is helpful in keeping these solutions from entering your mouth. Next, the doctor will begin the procedure by drilling a small hole through the dentil in to the area known as the pulp chamber.
Your dentist will begin using tiny files, which are designed to remove the nerve and any infected tissue. Certain files can be used by hand, while others are connected to a rotary instrument, which is a slower moving dental hand piece.
The dentist may require another x-ray at this point to determine the length of the root. It is critical that the entire nerve is removed to prevent future toothaches and re-infection.
Either one of these problems could result in the need for retreatment or extraction of the tooth. In order to prevent this, the doctor needs to get as close to the tip or apex to remove all of the nerve.
Once the dentist is confident that everything has been cleaned out, the dentil is dried with tiny absorbent paper points. When completely dry, the dentist will place a rubber material in to the tooth to seal the inside.
Your doctor will remove any remaining decay and will decide to either put a temporary filling on to close the tooth or proceed with placing a permanent filling. In most cases, your dentist will recommend having a crown put on.
Since the nerve and blood supply has been taken away, the dentil may become brittle over time, causing it to crack. A crown is designed to prevent this from happening.
When the local anesthetic has worn off, you may be sore from the procedure. Your dentist may recommend a pain reliever to take at home.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed to clear up any remaining infection. If you were on antibiotics before the procedure, your dentist will instruct you to finish the remaining medication before starting on a new bottle.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentist cherry hill nj. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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