If your dentist has told you that you need a Root Canal in Knoxville, TN, you are not alone. A root canal is a routine procedure that is working to save millions of teeth each year. If you are still nervous about the procedure, learn about the root canal process and how it works to alleviate pain and save your tooth.
Anatomy of the Tooth
Your tooth is composed of several different layers. Beneath the white enamel, which is visible, is dentin and beneath that is a type of soft tissue, called pulp. The pulp is where the nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels are located, and it helps to grow the tooth’s root during development. When a tooth is fully developed it is able to survive without the pulp since the tooth will be nourished by the tissues that surround it.
When Treatment is Necessary
A Root Canal in Knoxville, TN is necessary when the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed. This infection or inflammation can have a number of different causes, including repeated dental procedures, a chip or crack, faulty crowns or deep decay. Trauma to a tooth may also cause damage to the pulp even if there are no cracks or chips visible. If this infection or inflammation is not treated, it may lead to pain or an abscess.
How a Root Canal can Save Your Tooth
During the actual root canal process, the infected or inflamed pulp is completely removed and the inner part of the tooth is cleaned and then disinfected. Once that is completed, the tooth is filled with a material that is similar to rubber and called gutta-percha. Once the inner process is complete, the tooth will be restored with a filling or a crown to protect it. Afterwards, the tooth will continue to function just as any other tooth.
When you have a root canal there are many benefits, including efficient chewing, normal sensation, a natural appearance and helping to protect your other teeth from excessive strain or wear. This procedure will also help you maintain your smile and allow you to continue eating the foods that you love. When you take care of the root canal properly it will last as long as your other teeth. Click Here for more details!
