What is a root canal?
Root canal
The term root canal in itself refers to the anatomical space located inside the roots of your teeth. The root canal consists of numerous components: the pulp chamber containing the pulp tissue, the main root canal or canals, and the smaller branches, which interconnect the root canals and the surface of the root. The pulp tissue sits in the pulp chamber. The pulp tissue is the living component of the teeth; it contains connective tissue and special stem cells called odontoblasts. The pulp tissue plays an important role in the functionality of your teeth. It supports the teeth’s mineralised parts by providing the necessary water and nutrients to them. It also works as a temperature and pressure sensor, aiding humans in not damaging themselves through the sensory experience of pain. The pulp tissue also produces reparative dentine through the odontoblasts, and it also forms dentine itself. If you or your loved ones require a root canal Edinburgh, do not hesitate to contact our endodontist and book an appointment.
When do you need a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatments are used to save and fix teeth that have been affected by advanced tooth decay or some type of infection. The dental nerve and the pulp tissue can become inflamed, infected and irritated due to a variety of reasons, including deep and advanced tooth decay, repeatedly performed dental treatment procedures on the same tooth, too large fillings or damage to the tooth. In these cases both the pulp tissue and the nerve are removed, and the hollow inner part of the tooth is sterilised and sealed to prevent relapse and further infection. If such conditions are left without treatment, the tissues surrounding the tooth can become infected, inflamed and even an abscess can form. Dental abscesses can be very dangerous, especially if they are not noticed and left untreated. In some rare instances, ruptured dental abscesses can even result in septic shock, which is a life threatening condition. While the nerve of a tooth is important in sensing temperature and pain, it is not essential to the everyday function of your teeth, therefore your chewing or biting with the treated tooth will not be affected by root canal treatments. If you think you would benefit from a root canal Edinburgh, we are experts in the field of endodontics and can assure you of excellent and dedicated service.
What are the signs that you need a root canal treatment?
Numerous clinical signs and symptoms can indicate that your condition requires a root canal treatment. Continuous tooth sensitivity, especially provoked by hot or cold foods or beverages, or a sharp, intense pain during the biting or chewing of food can all be important warning signs, indicating that you might require a root canal treatment. If you had a dental injury of some type, resulting in the chipping or the cracking of your teeth, it is likely that your pulp tissue could be affected, and that you would benefit from a root canal. Pimples, swelling, inflammation or pain in your gum tissues may also show that you need a root canal treatment. If you think you have a dental emergency which may require a root canal Edinburgh do not hesitate to call on our expert help to enable you to get back on track with your life without further discomfort and pain.