What's on the inside of your tooth?
When you think about your teeth, you probably picture the shiny white surface you see in the mirror. But did you know that your tooth has hidden layers beneath the enamel that are critical to its health and function? Deep within, there’s a vital, intricate system that keeps your tooth alive—the root canal. Unfortunately, this inner part of the tooth is also prone to problems that can cause pain and discomfort.
Understanding your tooth's anatomy is essential for recognizing the importance of treatments like root canal therapy. This post will explain what’s inside your tooth, the importance of the root canal system, common problems that affect it and how endodontic treatments can save your natural tooth.
Understanding tooth anatomy
Teeth are much more complex than they appear. They’re composed of multiple tooth layers, each serving a specific purpose. Here’s a quick breakdown of a tooth’s anatomy from the outside in:
Enamel: The hard, outer layer of the tooth that protects it from wear and tear. Made of minerals like hydroxyapatite, the enamel acts as a shield against acid, bacteria and physical damage.
Dentin: Beneath the enamel lies dentin, a yellowish, porous layer that is less mineralized but still durable. Dentin contains microscopic tubules that can transmit sensations, like hot and cold, to the tooth’s inner layers.
Pulp: At the core of the tooth is the pulp chamber, which houses the tooth’s "living" components. This involves blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves that keep your tooth nourished and sensitive.
Among these layers, the pulp of the tooth and the root canal system (part of the pulp) play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health.
The vital pulp and root canal system
The tooth pulp is what keeps your tooth alive. It extends from the crown of the tooth (the visible part in your mouth) all the way down to the root via narrow canals called root canals. Root canals are particularly important because they house the intricate network of blood vessels and nerves that nourish and protect the tooth. The root canal system is the layer of the tooth that Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh have become experts on.
However, because the pulp is enclosed within the hard layers of enamel and dentin, it can be susceptible to severe damage when infection or inflammation occurs.
What can go wrong with the pulp?
The pulp can become infected or inflamed due to various reasons, such as:
Deep cavities (tooth decay)
Cracks, fractures or chips that expose the inner layers of the tooth
Trauma to the tooth, even if there are no visible cracks
When the tooth's pulp is compromised, you might experience intense tooth pain, sensitivity or swelling. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and tissue, leading to more severe problems.
Common root canal problems and symptoms
Some warning signs that you might have a root canal issue include:
Persistent, throbbing toothache that doesn’t go away
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after you’ve removed the trigger
Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth
Tooth discoloration (often appearing gray or dark)
A small pimple-like bump on your gums, indicating an abscess
It’s important to take any of these symptoms seriously. They’re often signs of deeper problems that can’t be resolved with over-the-counter pain relievers or antibiotics alone.
This is where an endodontist like Dr. Nieves or Dr. Fitzhugh comes in.
Endodontic treatment: saving your natural tooth
Endodontists are specialists focused on diagnosing and treating problems with the tooth pulp and surrounding tissues. If the pulp inside your tooth is infected or inflamed, they perform a procedure called root canal therapy to save your natural tooth.
What happens during root canal therapy?
Here’s what you can expect during a root canal treatment:
Diagnosis and preparation
Your endodontist will begin by examining the affected tooth and taking X-rays to assess the extent of the problem. Once a diagnosis is made, they’ll administer local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
Cleaning the canals
The next step involves carefully removing the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth’s root canals. Your endodontist will then clean and disinfect the canals to eliminate any bacteria or debris.
Shaping and filling the canals
After cleaning, the canals are shaped and filled with a biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha. This prevents future infections and reinforces the tooth’s structure.
Restoration
Finally, your dentist will place a crown or filling over the tooth to restore its function and appearance. Most treated teeth last a lifetime when cared for properly!
Why save your natural tooth?
Preserving your natural tooth through a root canal isn’t just about relieving pain—it’s about maintaining the function and aesthetics of your smile. Here’s why saving your tooth matters:
Natural teeth are better for chewing and biting compared to artificial replacements.
Keeping your teeth helps maintain proper alignment and spacing.
Root canals have a high success rate and allow you to keep your natural tooth for years to come.
When tooth pain strikes, act fast!
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or notice symptoms that might signal a root canal problem, don’t wait. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be. At West Fort Worth Endodontics, our team is dedicated to providing expert care in a comfortable setting.
Maintaining healthy teeth starts with early intervention and understanding how to care for them. If you’ve been diagnosed with a tooth infection or think you might need a root canal, schedule an appointment with us today. We’re here to help you preserve your smile and relieve your discomfort—because your oral health is our top priority.