What Is a Root Canal?
 A Root Canal is a dental procedure that is used to remove diseased pulp
tissue from the interior of the tooth. The narrow channels beneath the pulp
chamber in the inner part of the tooth are hollowed out and cleaned. Then the
roots are filled with flexible nickel titanium files.
Teeth are made up of three main components;
- Enamel - A hard protective shell surrounding the tooth.
- Dentin - A softer and sensitive middle layer.
- Dental Pulp - A soft tissue inner layer.
Dental pulp is composed of nerve tissue, lymph tissue and blood vessels, and
is considered to be the vital part of a tooth. If dental pulp is sufficiently
traumatized - whether by exposure to oral bacteria via deep dental caries, a
fracture in the tooth that enters the pulp or a forceful blow to the face - the
tooth begins to die and root canal therapy is often required in order to prevent
or eliminate infection and prevent tooth loss.
Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure involves tooth disinfection and the removal of
all debris (nerve tissue, lymph tissue, blood tissue, bacteria and infection)
from the coronal pulp chamber and its associated canals. Once an affected
tooth's canals are sufficiently cleansed and shaped, they are filled with
materials designed to prevent pain and infection from recurring.
Root Canal Signs
There are certain signs that may indicate that you have a diseased tooth or
infected nerve area and may need a root canal procedure. These signs can
include;
- Minimal to severe pain
- Tooth Discoloration
- Swelling and irritation in the surrounding gum tissue.
- Signs of infection visible on an X-ray.
Dr Murray will typically recommend a root canal in such situations to save
the diseased tooth and preserve the tooth functionality.
Root Canal Cost
The cost of a Root Canal can vary depending on the following factors;
- Location of the Tooth.
- Type of filling and or crown or cap needed.
- The amount covered by your dental insurance plan.
- The anesthesia used for the procedure.
Be sure to discuss with Dr Murray exactly what you need for a Root Canal
Procedure. |
