What Is A Root Canal?

What is a root canal? A lot of people who haven’t had one are probably wondering – the name makes it sound scarier than it is.

What do people really know about their teeth? Do they ever really think about the structure of them? A tooth has two main parts: the crown, which is above the gum, and the root, which goes into the gum. The tough outer layer of the tooth is made of enamel and it is the hardest substance in the human body. Beneath that you have dentin, which makes up the bulk of the tooth, and it is composed of living tissue that communicates through tubules with the nerves of your teeth. When your enamel is damaged and the dentin is exposed, that is when you get sensitive teeth. Another layer in and we get to the pulp, which is part of a system along with the dentin, and includes nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Around the root you have a hard connective tissue called cementum and connecting the tooth to the gum you have the periodontal ligament, which is a fibrous membrane. Finally, contained within the pulp and going into the jaw, you have the nerve.

 Save Your Tooth With A Root Canal, Call Now!

A root canal is needed when the nerve of the tooth is being affected by decay or infection. It involves the removal of the pulp, the nerves, the bacteria and any decay, and then these are replaced by special, medicated dental materials. This make the tooth fully functional again and saves the tooth. Following this, given the proper care and placement of a crown, your tooth can last a lifetime.

If you think you need a root canal you should book an appointment immediately and get your tooth fixed by one of the great dentists at Clearwater Family Dental.