A space inside a tooth called, the pulp chamber, is where the pulp is located — the living tissue (nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues) that maintain a tooth alive.

From the pulp chamber canals that run through the center of the roots branch out. The space inside the root canals, filled with a highly vascularized, loose connective tissue, is called dental pulp.

Endodontic treatment, commonly known as root canal treatment, is needed when that pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen when there is: severe tooth decay; many dental procedures to the same tooth (like replacing a large filling); or traumatic damage such as a crack, chip or even a fracture. If the pulp dies, the pulp chamber and canals could become infected. If the infection spreads into the surrounding bone and other tissues around the tip of the root, it will cause a lot of pain.

Conventional root canal treatment is achieved by drilling a small access hole into the pulp chamber, and in this way the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed from the pulp chamber and root canals, the space is disinfected, shaped with tiny flexible nstruments, filled, and sealed.

A temporary or permanent filling material (such as Gutta Percha) will then be placed to cover the access hole. A permanent crown (cap) is often used to replace lost tooth structure and to protect the tooth from stress and further damage.

A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums.

Its function is sensory, providing the sensation of heat or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

Why is the Pulp Removed?

When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down, and bacteria begins to increase within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and decay will create an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pocket filled with pus that grows at the extreme of a tooth’s root. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

1. Swelling that might spread to areas of the face, neck, or head
2. Bone loss around the tip of the root 3. Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A pinhole can appear on the side of the tooth, draining into the gums or through the cheek into the skin.

So, if you feel the following symptoms, consider a Root Canal:

1. Severe toothache pain when chewing or applying pressure on your teeth
2. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
3. Darkening (discoloration) of the tooth
4. Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
5. A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums