Quick Summary
A root canal repairs and saves a tooth that is seriously decayed or infected. The nerve and pulp are removed, the centre of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly and then sealed to prevent infection. The tooth's nerve is not vital to the tooth's health, so removing it does not prevent normal function. Left untreated, the infection can form an abscess and spread beyond the root.
When a tooth is seriously decayed or has become infected, a root canal procedure can be done to repair the tooth and save it. During the procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, while the remainder of the center of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and then carefully sealed to prevent infection.
“Root canal” is the term for the natural space within the tooth’s center. The tooth’s nerve is in the root canal, as is the pulp (or pulp chamber), which is the soft area within the root canal. Because the tooth’s nerve isn’t vital to a tooth’s health, removing it doesn’t prevent the normal functioning of the tooth.
Removing the nerve and the pulp is necessary in some cases to address irritation, inflammation and infection stemming from severe decay, damaged or deep fillings, cracked or chipped teeth or facial trauma. When the nerve tissue and pulp become damaged, bacteria begin to form within the pulp chamber. This can lead to a serious infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess can form when the infection spreads past the ends of the tooth roots.
Additionally, severe infections can lead to bone loss around the tip of the root or holes in the tooth that drain the infection into the gums or through the cheek into the skin. It can cause swelling that spreads to the face, head, or neck.
Sometimes, the only signs you need a root canal procedure are more minor. They can include tooth pain when applying pressure or chewing, discoloration (darkening) of the tooth, tenderness and/or swelling of the gum tissue, or a pimple or blemish on the gums that is recurring. Acute sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures that does not abate with time can also be a sign.
Talk to your dentist or endodontist (a dentist whose specialty is the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and trauma to the dental pulp or nerve of the tooth) about your concerns. Your dentist will know what to do so you may make the best decisions for your long-term tooth health.
If you live in the Billerica area and you need a root canal, contact our dental office today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the root canal itself?
Root canal is the term for the natural space within the tooth's centre. The tooth's nerve is in the root canal, as is the pulp, the soft area within it.
Does removing the nerve harm the tooth?
No. Because the tooth's nerve is not vital to the tooth's health, removing it does not prevent the normal functioning of the tooth.
What happens if an infected tooth is left alone?
Bacteria form within the pulp chamber, which can lead to a serious infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess forms when the infection spreads past the ends of the tooth roots. Severe infections can lead to bone loss around the tip of the root, or holes in the tooth that drain into the gums or through the cheek, and swelling that spreads to the face, head or neck.
What are the milder signs?
Sometimes the signs are minor: tooth pain when applying pressure or chewing, darkening of the tooth, tenderness or swelling of the gum tissue, a recurring pimple or blemish on the gums, or acute sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures that does not ease with time.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.