Root canal treatment is required when the pulp of a tooth is damaged due to extensive decay, wear, fracture or when indicated for making a bridge, if the supporting teeth do not have the desired alignment. Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that replaces a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling.
A tooth consists of enamel (outermost layer), dentin and pulp. This pulp consists of tiny nerve fibres, blood vessels and some specialized dental cells and is located in the hollow space in the center of the tooth. The procedure is also known as endodontic treatment.
Symptoms:
A tooth may require root canal treatment if it shows certain signs and symptoms. Sometimes, tooth pulp may be damaged or diseased without presenting any symptoms. In these cases, the problem is usually diagnosed by special tests or x-rays during a dental check-up or when the patient is undergoing treatment for other dental problem. |
If not treated on time, the infection can spread unchecked into the tissue spaces and a huge swelling of face, neck and eyes can result. This may spread even further and can cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing. In severe cases the tooth will have to be removed as root canal treatment then may not work. |
