Your teeth have several layers; the outer protective enamel, a secondary layer of dentine, and an inner soft "pulp" tissue layer containing the nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Each pulp chamber branches off at the top, forming canals that lead towards the tooth root tip. These 'canals' are the life center of the tooth and support all that is living in the tooth. However, a deep cavity, large filling, traumatic injury, or tooth fracture can make the canal susceptible to bacterial infection. When the canal has suffered irreversible damage it is necessary to perform a root canal.
Different teeth have different numbers of canals. Front teeth usually have one canal and back teeth can have as many as 5 canals. Today most root canals can be done in one appointment and usually with minimal side effects. After having a root canal is done the tooth must be protected with a proper restoration, typically a crown. Failure to get a proper restoration can potentially lead to fracture and subsequent loss of your root canalled tooth.
Follow up care is simply to maintain thorough home hygiene and visit our office regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
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