The tooth root is an integral part of dentition. It is responsible for providing your tooth with nutrients for proper functioning. The tooth root is analogous to the roots of a tree. The roots contain the blood supply that is the life-line to the tooth. The tooth root also has the nerve supply that provides the tooth with sensation and feedback. The blood and nerve supply enters the tooth at the tooth root canal. They tunnel through the canal and thus gain access to the central areas of your tooth. You can think of your tooth as more than just something used to smile. It is a living a breathing organ that requires the basic needs of any other organ such as your heart or your lungs. And just like any other organ, it is an ecosystem of different cells that are highly adaptable and long lasting if you treat them right. But if you forgo bi-annual check-ups or neglect to brush or floss then bacteria can build up and destroy your tooth. And when this inflammation gets bad enough it can reach the tooth root causing severe inflammation, and activation of the nerve supply at the tooth root. Characteristics of nerve inflammation include electrical pain that is severe and nature and can be deemed a dental emergency. Rest assured, there are techniques to save your tooth and alleviate the pain.
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The root canal should only performed by a dentist who has experience with this procedure and has practiced the surgery multiple times. It is always done with local anesthesia and nerve blocks. First the dentist will apply lidocaine to the appropriate area. Once the area is numb the dentist will begin. The dentist will use his drill to remove the disease area of tooth affected by bacteria. This will often lead him to the tooth root. Once he has access to the tooth root he will then take the time to remove the sensory nerve in the root canal that is causing the severe painful sensations. This is a time intensive process that is done with much care. After the nerve is removed the dentist must then fill the root canal with cement in order to ensure no bacteria re-populate the area. The dentist can then rebuild the tooth with a post and core. This will reconstruction is then finished off with a prosthetic tooth crown that will be perfected by a dental lab technician.
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