Each tooth is made up of four layers of tissues. Three of these layers, including the enamel, dentin, and cementum, are hard substances that cover and protect various parts of the tooth. The fourth type is called the pulp, and it is a soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp chamber is responsible for helping the root of a tooth grow during development.
After a tooth is fully developed, it can survive without the pulp because it receives nutrients from surrounding tissues. For this reason, the tooth does not become "dead" following a root canal treatment.
A general dentist recommends root canal treatment as an effective way to save a tooth rather than removing it. Below are the four steps followed during a root canal.
First, the dental professional takes X-rays of the tooth and surrounding bone. This provides a clear picture of the structure and condition of the tooth. After the X-rays are completed, a dental dam is placed to protect the site from saliva and keep it clean.
Using a small drill, an opening is created at the top of the tooth to access the dental pulp. Small files are used to extract the damaged pulp and shape the interior of the tooth. The dental professional may irrigate the tooth chamber to ensure the area is clear of infection. An antimicrobial solution is often used to kill bacteria in the tooth to prevent further infection.
Once the interior of the tooth is cleaned and dried, a material, called gutta-percha, is used to fill the tooth. The opening is then closed with a temporary filling. The patient schedules a follow-up appointment to allow time for healing and for a permanent crown to be made.
After several weeks, the general dentist places a permanent crown over the tooth. If the crown needs additional support, a metal post may be placed inside the tooth to make it more stable.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Albuquerque, NM
Though a root canal involves removing the nerves from inside a tooth, the tooth continues to function as normal. The nerves play an insignificant role in a fully developed tooth; thus, the tooth is still alive. A root canal is a beneficial treatment that saves a tooth from extraction and allows a patient to maintain a healthy smile. A patient who practices good oral care and visits a general dentist regularly can expect a restored tooth to last a lifetime.
Request an appointment or call Sunset Dental at 505-295-4050 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
General dentistry is responsible for addressing all routine things relating to the teeth, including damage that occurs. Teeth become damaged as a result of many things, such as injury, accidents, natural wear and tear, or cavities. Whatever the reasoning may be for a damaged tooth, there are a lot of treatment options available in general…
The types of cavity treatments fall into two different categories. Those categories are direct and indirect restorations. Direct forms of cavity treatment include things like fillings made from composite resin and amalgam. Indirect forms are crowns or onlay restorations. Direct restoration can be completed without the need for work to be done with a dental laboratory.…
When a patient has a cavity, a general dentist thoroughly takes out all the decayed area of the tooth and replaces it with a filling in the empty space to prevent future decay. When it comes to the type of filling, there are various options from which the patient may choose. They each have advantages…
As gum disease progresses, the teeth can begin to pull away from the gums. This…
Invisalign® is an orthodontic appliance that works by slowly moving teeth into alignment over time…
Teeth become damaged as a result of many things, such as injury, accidents, natural wear…
Restorative dentistry has a handful of ways to go about restoring a broken tooth. It…
Wondering whether you can get cosmetic dentistry treatments from a general dentist? Read on to…
During a visit with a family dentist, they will likely order dental X-rays and conduct…
