Root canal

Root canal

Root canal

Within each tooth is a chamber filled with soft tissue, called pulp, containing blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves. Pulp is essential to tooth growth, but is no longer necessary once the tooth stops growing. Bacteria can infect the pulp if the tooth cracks, if a cavity penetrates to the pulp chamber, or less often when there is gum disease or if damage cuts off blood flow to the tooth. When this occurs, an endodontic treatment, or “root canal,” is usually used to try to save the tooth.

Treatment involves one to three visits, to remove the diseased pulp, clean the pulp chamber and seal the tooth.

✓ An opening is made through the crown
✓ Pulp is removed; root canal(s) cleaned, shaped and enlarged
✓ Medication may be added to kill germs, prevent infection
✓ A temporary filling is placed in crown for protection; tooth may be left open a few days to drain; general antibiotics may also be prescribed
✓ Temporary filling is removed; pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled
✓ Crown is restored, either with a resin filling or by replacing crown using porcelain or gold.

LABELS:
Enamel
Dentin
Gum
Pulp
Bone
Root canals
Crown
Root
Cavity
Infected pulp
Opening
Seal
Filling
Restored crown

Text and illustrations by Kevin T. Boyd


Acupressure for tooth problems
Here are lists of acupressure points for Toothache and for use before Dental work, on PointFinder.org.
If this is your first time, please read the instructions. Don’t use acupressure to replace standard emergency procedures or licensed medical treatment. If you are seriously injured or have acute symptoms seek urgent medical treatment.