What is a ROOT CANAL ?!
Question:
What is a ROOT CANAL ?
what is it ? Do it hurt ? what is it caused by ? Do you know what will the dentist do? THANK YOU!
Answers:
A root canal is when the dentist removes the nerve that is inside the tooth. It is usually removed because the nerve has died due to trauma (tooth gets bumped) or a deep cavity, but the reason is not always clear.Typically they access the nerve by going thru the top of the tooth and with a small file they clean the nerve canal out and then they fill the space with a putty like material called gutta percha. Once the nerve is removed the tooth is apt to become more brittle and it is recommended that a crown (cap) is put over it. It is pretty straightforward but sometimes takes one or two visits. It may be done by a general dentist or an endodontist, who is a root canal specialist. It may have soreness as a side effect, but while numb (anesthetized) it shouldn't hurt! Hope that helps!
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist