Root canal treatment is the treatment of inside the tooth. Is also known as endodontic treatment. “Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for tooth.

To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and the hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.

Root canal treatment usually involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp. The crown (the portion of the tooth visible above the gums) contains the pulp chamber. The pulp extends from this chamber down through the root cana/to the tip of the root that lies in the bone of the jaws Teeth have only one pulp chamber but may have more than one root and several root canals.

Why might the dental pulp need to be removed?
If the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, it loses its vitality. The most common causes of pulp death are a deep cavity, a crack, or traumatic injury to the tooth, all of which can allow bacteria and their products to leak into the pulp. If the injured or diseased pulp is not removed, the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth can become infected and an abscess can form, resulting in pain and swelling. Even if there is no pain, certain substances released by bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth in the jaw. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully.

Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However; if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days. call us.

What does treatment involve?
Treatment involves one or more visits. There are several steps in the process of endodontic treatment (a dentist who specializes in root canal treatment) will perform. At various stages, your follow- up will be needed to help ensure a successful outcome.

What are the steps in the process of saving the tooth?

a. First, local anesthesia is usually given so that you will be more comfortable during treatment. Then, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.

b. The pulp or its remnants are then removed carefully from both the pulp chamber and root canal(s). The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped to a form that can be filled.

c. Medication may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help eliminate bacteria.

d. A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to prevent saliva from getting into the chamber and root canals. You might also be given antibiotics if infection is present and has spread beyond the end of the root(s). lf we prescribe medication, use only as directed. If you have any difficulties with the medication, call us. It is also important to follow directions regarding the scheduling of your next dental appointment.

e. During the next stage of treatment, the temporary filling is removed. The root canal(s) are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, and then sealed.

f. In the final step, a crown made of porcelain or metal alloy is usually placed over the tooth. The crown covers a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. If an endodontist performs the root canal treatment, he or she will usually recommend that you return to us for the crown. If we perform the treatment, we can start the crown on the same appointment.

How long will the restored tooth last?
As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth is nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth can remain healthy. However, the tooth could still become decayed, so good oral hygiene at home and regular dental exams are necessary to help prevent both tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need additional treatment?
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may discover very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial procedure.

Can all teeth be treated endodontically?
Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth can't be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost.

When there is no way to do the Root Canal Treatment, we recomend an Extraction.

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