What is a root canal?

A root canal is the part of the tooth that is inside the root of the tooth itself. It usually consists of the pulp chamber, the main canal or canals, and the much more intricate and complicated branches. These branches connect the root canal to other ones. It is part of the naturally occurring space that is inside the tooth itself. In the middle of each of the teeth is where all of the soft tissues are. These soft tissues include the nerves, blood vessels, and all of the tissues that connect everything together. Inside of the root canals there is a highly vascularized and loose connective tissues that makes up the dental pulp. This pulp is where the dentin portion of the tooth itself is made. The dental pulp actually helps make the secondary teeth, also known as the adult teeth. It helps make these secondary teeth during the one to two years after the teeth have broken through the gums. This dental pulp actually also nourishes and helps keep the whole tooth structure hydrated. Keeping the teeth fed and hydrated actually makes the tooth more resilient. It also helps make the tooth less brittle and much less prone to fracturing from chewing hard foods like candy or ice. The dental pulp actually also is what allows people to feel cold and hot sensations in their teeth.

A root canal is the expression that people use to describe a dental operation which is actually called an endodontic therapy. This operation includes having the dental pulp cleaned out. Then the dentist disinfects and then fills the space. Many people experience who experience pain in their teeth or discomfort in their teeth, this might be the operation that is recommended for them. But before anything can be done about it, they will need to consult a dentist about it. Sometimes this operation is done because of an infection in the dental pulp. This operation can help save the tooth so that it does not decay further or cause the person any more pain. Sometimes these infections can happen because the tooth is decaying or cracking. Usually this operation is necessary if the condition of the tooth has really deteriorated and is causing the person pain. If caught quick enough, the dentist will save the tooth by performing this operation. If it is not caught quickly enough, the dentist might need to just completely remove the tooth because nothing can be done for it. After the operation is finished, the dentist fills the tooth with inert materials and then fills the opening of the holes that he or she drilled or any of the cracks which first compromised the tooth itself. After the operation has been performed, usually a dentist will put a crown on the tooth because over time, it helps the tooth remain intact and not have to be removed. This tooth is now technically dead because it no longer has living parts or nerves.