Root Canals
What is a Root Canal and why do I need it?
The term ‘Root Canal’ scares people because there is so much misinformation and mythology perpetuated over time. So, let’s set your mind at ease here with an honest description of the feared ‘Root Canal’.
The tooth is the hardest bone in the body. Decay enters through the grooves on the top of the tooth or from areas like in between the teeth where it is easier for bacteria to take shelter. The outer shell of the tooth, called Enamel, is very mineralized and hard but the inner 4 mm of ‘Dentin’ is softer and then you have the ‘Pulp’ or nerve. Once decay passes the hard exterior shell, it will rapidly advance inside the softer ‘Dentin’ and eventually into the ‘Pulp’. This is a point of no return where the only solution is to remove the infected nerve. This is what is called a Root Canal. Sometimes an antibiotic is needed to help fight this infection while the tooth is being treated.