Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)

Root Canal (Endodontics)

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Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth.  Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry and the most common procedure relating to endodontics.  When a tooth becomes infected it is usually related to the nerves in the root of the tooth.  The infected nerves need to be removed.  If left untreated an infection can turn into an abscess, which is a much more serious problem that includes bone loss in the jaw.

The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure.  The dentist will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal.  They will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean the canal.  After the infection has been removed, the space if filled with a sealant called gutta percha.  It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal is fitted with a crown.  This will improve the appearance of the tooth, and will also make it much more likely that the root canal is successful.

“Root canal” has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it much less “scary”.  Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no pain in most cases.  There may be some soreness following the procedure, but that is normal for most dental procedures.  Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any pain afterwards, but your dentist may prescribe medication.  The procedure will also relieve you from pain caused by the infection allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love without any pain from heat, cold, or biting too hard.  If you are experiencing pain consult your dentist today.

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  • Discoloration of the tooth

Endodontic Procedure

Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:

1. The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.

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2. The endodontist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.

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3. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.

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4. After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

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If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist or endodontist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.

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