A tooth is basically made up of two parts: the crown and the root.

The crown is what you see when you smile or open your mouth. It's the part that sits above your gumline. An outer enamel layer and the dentin inside protect the tooth's underlying structures and prevent bacteria from entering the tooth.

The root is below the gumline. It makes up about 2/3rds of the tooth's total length. The root canals house the pulp and extend to the underlying bone. The pulp helps nourish the tooth and is made up of tiny blood vessels and nerves. The blood vessels carry nutrients to the tooth, and the nerves give feeling to the tooth. The pulp tissue enters and exits through openings at the root tips

Unhealthy Tooth

Bacteria can invade your tooth through a loose filling, a cavity, or a crack. In the initial stages the cavity can be cleaned and a tooth colored filling done to restore it. However, once the pulp becomes infected by the bacterial attack, a root canal treatment is necessary to restore it. If left untreated, the inflammation and infection will spread down the root canal, often causing sensitivity to hot or cold foods, throbbing, aching, or pain when you chew. This may lead to the bone getting infected as the bacteria escape through the root openings. The bone breaks down, and your ligament surrounding the root may swell and loosen the tooth.

Root Canal Treatment

The goal of root canal therapy is to restore the health of your damaged tooth. During treatment, the pulp is removed from your root canals through a small opening in the crown. Then the canals are cleaned and disinfected. The adjoining diagram shows an instrument being used to clean the canal.

Treatment may take one or more visits. The tooth is first numbed. An opening is made in your tooth and any existing fillings or decay is removed. Then your dentist removes unhealthy pulp with tiny, flexible files. Using delicate, up-and-down motions, your dentist gently cleans and smooths your canals to disinfect them and prepares them for filling.

The canals are then sealed with an inert material that occupies the space vacated by the removal of the pulp

After the inside of your tooth has been treated, the outside will be restored to protect your tooth's underlying structures and to bring the tooth back into function. Your dentist will usually cover the tooth with a ceramic or metal crown.

After root canal therapy your tooth should function and feel like your other teeth. Take care of your treated tooth the same way you would your other teeth. Brush after every meal, and floss before going to bed. Also, have regular dental checkups, cleanings, and any other dental work you may need so that your teeth last as long as you do!