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Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called a root canal therapy you may save that tooth. Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth it runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!

What happens if the pulp gets injured?

Dental pulp contains the tiny nerves that supply your tooth. An infected or an abscessed tooth invariably causes an infected pulp. When the pulp is diseased or injured and can't repair it sell, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let germs (bacteria) enter the pulp Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jaw bone forming a pus pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth.

Why does the pulp need to be removed?

When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jaw bone. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.

What does treatment involve?

Treatment often involves from one to three visits. During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal (s) of the teeth are then cleaned and sealed.

• First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth
• An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber
• The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped to a form that can be filled.
• The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped
• Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent Infection
• A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
• The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
• The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal (s) are cleaned and filled.
• In the final step, a crown is usually placed over the tooth.

How long will the restored tooth last?

Your restored tooth could last lifetime if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary As long as the root(s) of treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy.