Root Canal Procedure

Introduction

At the center of the tooth are hollow spaces referred to as pulp chamber and root canal. They are filled with a loose connective, highly vascularized soft tissue referred to as dental pulp. The dental pulp hydrates, innervates and nourishes the tooth making it less brittle, more resilient and resistant to fracture while chewing hard foods. The dental pulp also provides cold and hot sensations to the tooth. The term "root canal" is also used to refer to a surgical procedure performed when the pulp is infected. The dentist removes the pulp then disinfects the root canal and fills it with a hard material to seal it.

Dental Pulp

The pulp tissue consists of connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. It has two portions. The first portion is in the crown, the exposed portion of the tooth. The hollow space in the crown is known as pulp chamber. From the pulp chamber the tissue extends into narrow hollows in the roots forming the second part of the pulp. The hollows in the roots are referred to as root canals. The pulp is connected to the nerves and blood vessels in the bone through an opening at the end of the root. This way the tooth is innervated and nourished. The tip of tooth root is known as the apex. The front tooth has two roots whereas the back tooth has four roots.

Procedure

When the pulp tissue is infected, you will experience severe and constant toothache. The root canal is a small space and cannot accommodate sufficient white blood cells or antibodies to fight the germs. The pulp tissue dies off as a result. Root canal treatment is performed to remove the entire pulp tissue, disinfect the root canal and seal them with a hard material. The procedure is referred to as endodontics and the dentist who performs it is referred to as endodontist. It is not painful and if performed at London Dental Clinic by a skilled, experienced endodontist, no maintenance is necessary. Root canal treatment is also performed incase of chronic trauma or severe and when the roots are required to support restorations.

Follow up

If properly done endodontic treatments are very durable and do not require any maintenance. A successful treatment does not wear out and lasts the rest of lifetime without any need for further attention. Problems after root canal treatment occur when the endodontist fails to thoroughly clean out the root canal up to the apex. The procedure is more difficult for the back teeth which have four curved roots compared to the two straight ones of the front teeth. Curves or obstructions make cleaning very difficult. Problems also occur if the apex is not completely sealed. Bone tissue would leak into the root canal and cause further infection. Teeth that have been treated are weak because the endodontist probes deep into the root for access. They require crown treatment for strength. Careful monitoring is required with X-rays and clinical assessment at regular intervals of one to three years at London Dental Clinic.

Pendragon Health - About Author:
Pendragon Health, a leading Root Canal Treatment clinic, is situated in London, UK. We have an excellent team of cosmetic dentists who provide the highest level of patient care.

Article Source:
http://www.articleside.com/health-articles/root-canal-procedure.htm

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