What is root canal treatment?
Your dentist uses 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 dentists 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.
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, your general dentist or 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:
- First, an opening is made through the crown
of the tooth
- An opening is made through the crown
of the tooth into the pulp chamber
- The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped to a form that can be filled
- Medications may be put in the pulp chamber
and root canal(s) to help get rid of
germs and prevent infection
- A temporary filling will be placed in
the crown opening to protect the tooth
between dental visits. Your dentist 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
- The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed
- The temporary filling is removed and
the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled
- 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 your family
dentist for this final step
- The crown of the tooth is then restored
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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