Root Canal

       Why do I need a root canal? There are a variety of circumstances that necessitate root canal treatment, the most common being a deep cavity that causes an infection in your pulp tissue. On the inside of every tooth is a vital pulp comprised of three basic elements: nerve tissue, arteries and veins. When a cavity become very large the bacteria causing the cavity can make its way through hard tooth structure to and eventually penetrate the soft inside part of your tooth. When this bacteria is in close proximity to your pulp it can cause an infection that will ultimately kill your pulp tissue, resulting in inflammation, infection and pain.

       It is quite common to need root canal treatment as a result of chronic dental pain. There are two stages of tooth pain, reversible and irreversible pulpitis. The last stage of pain does not actually come from the tooth, as the nerve tissue has already died, but is a result of an infection that began in the tooth and spread. This infection is potentally dangerous when in close proximity to the maxillary sinuses and the facial spaces in the mandibular region.

       As the name states, reversible pulpitis is a reversible condition in which the pulp on the inside of the tooth becomes inflamed. This can be caused by a deep cavity which leads to a big filling resulting in increased sensititvity of the affected tooth. It can also be cause by trauma from an accident, hyperocclusion, etc. Common treatment options include placing a base or liner below the cavity to protect the vital nerve tissue (pulp) from thermal sensitivity and exacerbating the inflammation. Symptoms of reversible pulpitis include sensitivity to cold that does not linger for more than a few seconds when the stimulation is removed, moderate sharp shooting pain, but no sensitivity to hot. These teeth are carefully monitored to help prevent the next stage of pulpal inflammation, irreverisble pulpitis.

       Irreversible pulpitis is a condition in which the pulp tissue is severely inflammed and in the final stages of life. At this point it is too late to spare the nerve tissue but the tooth can be saved. This can happen for many reasons, one of the most common being an infected pulp due to deep decay. Symptoms of irreversible pulpitis include