What is root canal therapy? A tooth consists of enamel, dentine,
cementum and pulp. The pulp is a living tissue, inhabitated by
nerve tissues, blood vessels and cells responsible for tooth
formation and repair. Root canal therapy /treatment (endodontic
therapy) involves removal of these structure which have been
contaminated by bacteria and damaged permanently. The subsequent
hollow space is cleaned, shaped and decontaminated using files
and irrigants. The decontaminated space is then filled with
inert filling material. After root canal therapy, the tooth will
be ‘dead’ or non vital because it contains no living tissues.
When do you need root canal therapy? 1. Gross dental decay
Dental decay reaching the pulp may be reversible if it is
detected at the early stage and treated. If the condition
prolongs. damage to the pulp may be irreversible and root canal
therapy will be indicated. Usually patient will complain of
sharp pain and sleepless nights. The dentist will take an x-ray
to determine the depth of the de