Root Canal (Endodontic)

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure employed to preserve a tooth that has experienced nerve death. The alternative option to address this issue is to extract the affected tooth.

Various factors can contribute to a tooth's nerve dying, and these include:

1. Trauma: When a tooth has been subjected to an accident or injury.

2. Dental Decay (Dental Caries): Progressive decay that reaches the tooth's nerve.

3. History of Large Fillings: Extensive fillings may compromise the vitality of the tooth.

4. Developmental Issues: The way the tooth has developed can sometimes lead to nerve complications.

5. Infection: Infections that affect the tooth's nerve can result in its death.

6. Breaking or Fracturing the Tooth: Physical damage that extends to the nerve.

7. Fine Cracks in the Tooth: Microscopic cracks in the tooth structure.

8. Unknown Reasons: Occasionally, the nerve may die without an apparent cause.

Teeth house a delicate network of nerves, responsible for the sensation of hot and cold temperatures. When the nerve dies, it can lead to the development of an infection if left untreated. Root canal treatment involves removing the dead nerve tissue, cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the tooth to prevent further complications, thus allowing for the preservation of the tooth rather than extraction.