A root canal consists of the canal and pulp. As is said in the AAE Glossary of Endodontic Terms, the canal is a “channel in the root of the tooth extending from the pulp chamber to the apical foramen” that “may be narrow, have lateral branches, and/or exhibit irregular morphology.”
What is a Root Canal?
When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion that is hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel, known as the root canal, contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
Dental Pulp
The lower central part of the tooth is the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is a collection of blood vessels and nerves that help to build the surrounding tooth.
Dental Canal Pulp Damage and Treatment
Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. Damage to the pulp is commonplace. Early detection is essential.
Non-surgical root canal treatment is applied to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This treatment is otherwise known as a root canal.
Root Canal Treatment in Houston
It’s in our name: We specialize in endodontics! Gulf Coast Endodontics provides root canal therapy in Houston and other endodontic procedures. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.