Nothing in dentistry conjures up fear and anxiety as the mention of a ROOT CANAL. Hallmark would make a mint on condolence cards for those who have to endure a ROOT CANAL.
WHY DO I NEED A ROOT CANAL, ANYWAY?
When a tooth experiences an insult, such as decay, that invades the tooth, the nerve inside begins to die. When this living tissue dies (necrosis), it causes excruciating constant pain. Bacteria then invades the space where the nerve was and infection begins at the end of the tooth root. It really is evil.
WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?
Root canal therapy is where the dentist enters the chamber where the nerve was and removes the dead tissue. The root of a tooth has a canal that leads to the end of the tooth. This is where the nerves enter and exit the tooth. The goal is to remove all dead tissue from inside of the roots and to shape the canals so that they can be filled with an inert substance, usually gutta percha.
Why has this procedure become villified? First, an infected tooth can be difficult to get profoundly numb. This is becaused infection is acidic and the anesthetics are basic, thus canceling each other out. Second, the tooth has a ligament surrounding it as it sits in the tooth socket. This ligament becomes swollen in some cases or is breached with a dental endodontic file. Third, keeping your mouth open for the time needed to complete the root canal can be daunting.
Most of the time, these complications can be managed. It may take several days but eventually the tooth heals. The entire tooth is left in the mouth.
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