The term “endodontics” is often used in reference to root canal therapy. Endodontics is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on the soft inner tissue of the teeth, commonly known as the pulp. Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy.
If the nerve of a tooth becomes infected, root canal treatment saves the tooth from having to be extracted. Saving a tooth is important to prevent the other teeth from drifting out of line, which can then lead to jaw problems. As well, by saving the natural tooth it prevents having to replace that tooth with an artificial tooth.
Root canal treatment is also referred to as endodontic treatment. It’s the process of removing damaged, infected, or dead pulp from inside your tooth. The root canal system is that area of soft, dental pulp inside the tooth that’s made of nerves and blood, which is there to help your tooth grow and develop.
If a tooth cracks or breaks, which can include flawed or damaged fillings, and bacteria enters that tooth, it can become abscessed, which means the inner part (pulp) of the tooth has become infected. This can lead to swelling and discomfort or pain. When the pulp becomes infected, it needs to be removed. If it goes untreated, additional problems can arise.
Root canal treatments generally involve the following procedures:
Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic
A rubber dam will placed around the tooth being treated to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth during the procedure
An opening is made in the tooth to reach the root canal system and the damaged pulp
Using specialized instruments, your dentist will then remove the pulp and clean out the inner part of the tooth
Once the inner root canal system has been thoroughly cleaned, the canal is filled and sealed
A temporary or permanent filling is then used to seal the opening of the tooth
After the root canal treatment, the tooth will need to be restored to look and function the same as a natural tooth. For this, your dentist may have you see a prosthodontist: a dental specialist that restores and replaces teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.
Root canal treatments are generally done in one or two appointments. After the treatment, the tooth is likely to be tender for one or two weeks. If intense pain or swelling occurs, this is not common and you should notify your dentist.
If you have severe sensitivity to hot and cold elements, a chipped or broken tooth, an inflamed or infected tooth, or tooth decay, any of these symptoms could require endodontic treatment. …read more
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