Root canal treatment
Healthy tooth
In the center of every tooth is a cavity filled with the dental pulp (sometimes called the tooth’s nerve). In a healthy tooth, it is shielded against the surroundings, which contain bacteria and other harmful influences, by the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, and the middle layer, the dentin.
Tooth with caries and an abscess at the root tip
Extensive caries or accidents can damage the protecting layers. Bacteria or viruses gain access to the pulp cavity and cause an inflammation. First signs are usually an increased sensitivity to heat or cold.
If the pulp isn’t treated, it dies, which causes massive pain. The inflammation can extend to surrounding tissue and create abscesses, pus-filled pockets. In some extreme cases, these infections can even threaten the patient’s life.
Seite ausdrucken