Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth’s nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can die. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate and the tooth may fall out. If detected early, we can save your tooth. The tooth is cleaned of all diseased pulp. Medication may be inserted into the area to fight bacteria. The canal is filled with a rubber-like substance or another material to prevent recontamination. If the tooth is still weak, a metal post may be inserted above the canal filling to reinforce the tooth. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed. Sometimes restorations are used to reshape teeth or support the changes created by this therapy.
Symptoms: Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing and coming into contact with hot or cold foods and drinks. A discolored tooth can also give away a root-damaged tooth.
