Root Canal Treatment
What is root canal treatment?
We use root canal treatment to find the cause and then treat problems
of the tooth's soft core (the dental pulp). Years ago, teeth with
diseased or injured pulps were removed. Today, root canal treatment
has given us a safe way of saving teeth.
What is the dental pulp?
The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels
and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from
the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the
jaws.
What happens if the pulp gets injured?
An abscessed (infected) tooth caused by tooth decay.
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When the pulp is diseased or injured and can't repair itself,
it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth
or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let germs (bacteria)
enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth.
Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the
jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess.
An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth. |
Why does the pulp need to be removed?
When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result.
Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jaw bones. Without
treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
What does treatment involve?
Treatment often involves from one to three visits. During treatment,
we or an endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the
pulp) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s)
of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.
Here's how your tooth is saved through treatment:
1. First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth.
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 4. A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect
the tooth between dental visits. We may leave the tooth open for
a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help
control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
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2. The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped
to a form that can be filled.
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5. The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root
canal(s) are cleaned and filled. |
3. Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s)
to help get rid of germs and prevent infection. |
 6. In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed
over the tooth. If an endodontist performs the treatment, he or
she will recommend that you return to our office for this final
step.
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How long will the restored tooth last?
Your restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care
for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary.
As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues
around it, your tooth will remain healthy.
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2. The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped
to a form that can be filled.