There is more to your teeth than meets the eye. Underneath the enamel and dentin of each tooth is a soft core called pulp. Pulp runs from the visible part of the tooth to the root in the jawbone. Tooth pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp helps with the formation of dentin during tooth development and also provides nourishment to the tooth.
When tooth pulp is infected or damaged, it requires a special kind of treatment. The damage or infection can occur as the result of a cracked or chipped tooth, as well as deep decay, and if left untreated, the infection can become severe and lead to an abscess, bone loss, and the loss of the tooth. This is where endodontic treatment comes in to save the tooth.
Endodontics is a root canal treatment that removes the pulp and saves the tooth. While the mention of a root canal earns its fair share of groans, it allows your dentist to treat a severely damaged tooth instead of removing it. During the procedure, the pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the pulp chamber and root canal is shaped and prepared for a filling.
In many instances, a tooth that requires a root canal has a large filling or is weak from decay. A crown may be recommended to restore the tooth and protect it from future damage. If you are experiencing dental pain and infection, schedule an appointment with our Austin Dental Cares staff today.