A root canal is a procedure in which the living inner “pulp” of a tooth, comprised of blood vessels, nerve endings, and soft tissue, is removed.
A root canal is needed when the pulp becomes infected, a condition known as “pulpitis,” and is left untreated until the damage is beyond repair. Pulpitis is the result of penetration of the tooth by damaging bacteria through a crack or untreated cavity. This bacterial buildup initially presents itself as a sticky film called “plaque.” When left untreated, plaque hardens into “tartar,” which, in the absence of professional treatment, weakens the tooth’s structural integrity.
When Is a Root Canal Necessary?
Root canal therapy is required when bacteria enters a tooth and is left untreated, and allowed to develop into a full-blown infection of the blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissue comprising the tooth’s pulp.
In addition to being extremely painful, this infection, pulpitis, can cause abscesses (pockets of pus around the bases of teeth), leading to gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and infection that can spread to the jawbone and beyond.
Empathetic and Pain-Free Root Canal Therapy in St. Paul, MN
If you’re in St. Paul and looking for a top-quality dental care team to expertly guide you through the root canal process with compassion and empathy, contact dentists Dr. Jadilyn Grittner, Dr. John Grittner, and the team at Highgrove Dental Care to schedule an appointment!