Reasons for Root Canal Therapy

By Dr. Jamie Ring

Introduction

Since 2008, Dr. Jamie Ring has treated dental patients at his own private practice, Foothills Endodontic Specialists in Westminster, Colorado. As an endodontic specialist, Dr. Jamie Ring focuses much of his practice on root canal treatments.

Root canal therapy treats an infection in the soft center of a tooth. This part of the tooth is called the pulp, and it contains nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissues that nourish the tooth during its development. In a healthy tooth, the pulp is protected by the dentin and hard enamel, but these protective layers of the teeth can become compromised and expose the pulp.

Root Canal

This exposure can happen in several ways, including extensive decay or trauma to the tooth. Repeated dental procedures can also weaken the tooth, making it vulnerable to cracks and fractures. Once the pulp is exposed, bacteria and food debris enter the pulp chamber and cause inflammation and infection. The best way to alleviate the pain and save the tooth is to undergo a root canal treatment, which involves removing the infected tissues inside the tooth and filling the space with a special material that seals and protects the tooth from further infection.