A root canal is a canal, which runs from the base of the root of the tooth to the middle of the crown (the visible part of the tooth). The root canal carries the pulp (a network of blood and nerve cells), which brings the tooth to life.The nerve of the tooth gets damaged due to many reasons. One of the main causes is cavity in the tooth that grows deeper and touches the nerve. Since the cavity is filled with bacteria, the root canal gets inflamed and causes pain.

Other reasons that may damage the teeth are accidental cracks or infection from gums recession to the base of roots. In such cases, root canal treatments can easily stabilize the position.

Root canal treatments is one name that gives many patients shivers when told about it. However, in reality, it is not that bad. Infact, it is an instant pain reliever and the best treatment to retain the original teeth. A Root canal treated tooth serves its purpose and function just as a healthy tooth.

What is root canal?

A root canal is a narrow passage in the tooth through which the blood vessel & nerves enter the tooth.

• They travel from the end of the root through the root canal to the pulp chamber in the centre of the tooth.
• These nerves send pain signals to the brain in response to decay as injury.

Why should a damaged or decayed tooth be restored?

• A tooth is repaired to protect the part of the tooth that has become exposed by the decay or injury.Restoration can prevent the loss of a tooth, since decay may spread and destroy the tooth.
• Restoration permits normal eating and chewing.
• Restored done on the front teeth, fillings improve, the appearance of teeth and the face.

What are the available materials dental restorations filling?

• There are different types of dental restorations which are used in various situations.

Amalgram Restoration

An amalgam is an alloy or combination of two or more metals.Amalgam fillings (silver fillings) are made up of mercury, powdered silver and tin. They are mixed and packed into cavities in teeth. It hardens slowly, and replaces the missing tooth substance. Amalgam fillings are held in place by the shape of the prepared cavity.The cavity has to have an undercut to prevent the filling from falling out. The amalgam is then packed slotted into the cavity.It is still commonly used, despite an ongoing debate about mercury toxicity.However we do not recommend it to our patients.

Bonding Or Composite Restoration

• Composite resin is a plastic tooth-coloured material that is used as a filling. It is also called a white or plastic filling. The process of fusing the filling material to the tooth is called bonding.
• It is placed into the cavity in layers until the tooth is restored to its original form.
• An ultraviolet light is used to harden it, and it can be chewed on immediately after it has been completed. This is an advantage it has over amalgam. The filling bonds or sticks to the tooth.
• This characteristic is a major advance for dentistry. There is no longer the need to cut a slot into a tooth to hold a filling in place, as is necessary for an amalgam filling. As a result, less tooth needs to be cut away for a filling.
• It is hard wearing and is used for repairing front and back teeth.
• Bonding is ideal for front teeth that need cosmetic.