Endodontic Treatment--Root Canals
Below are some frequently asked questions complied by the American Association of Endodontics, that we hope may help answer some of your questions about endodontic treatment.
If you would like further information about endodontic treatment, we are more then happy to talk with you.
If you would like further information about endodontic treatment, we are more then happy to talk with you.
Introduction
More than 15 million teeth receive endodontic treatment each year. By choosing endodontic treatment, you are choosing to keep your natural teeth as a healthy foundation for chewing biting for years to come.
If you've never had endodontic treatment--also known as "root canal treatment"-- or if it's been many years since your last procedure, you may have questions or outdated expectations.
This page answers your questions and explains how today's root canal treatments save teeth.
If you would like to know more, be sure to talk to your endodontist.
If you've never had endodontic treatment--also known as "root canal treatment"-- or if it's been many years since your last procedure, you may have questions or outdated expectations.
This page answers your questions and explains how today's root canal treatments save teeth.
If you would like to know more, be sure to talk to your endodontist.
Who performs endodontic treatment?
All dentists, including your general dentist, received training in endodontic treatment in dental school. General dentists can perform endodontic procedures along with other dental procedures, but often they refer patients needing endodontic treatment to endodontist, who is a valuable partner on your general dentist's team of trusted caregivers.
An endodontist is a dentist who specialises in saving teeth. Endodontists become specialists by completing dental school, followed by an additional two or more years of advanced training that includes the diagnosis and treatment of dental pain. They perform routine, as well as difficult and very complex root canal procedures, including endodontic surgery and treatment of traumatic dental injuries.
Endodontist often utilize state-of-the-art technology such as digital imaging, operating microscopes, ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics while performing root canal treatment. Advanced technologies, together with specialized techniques, give endodontists a very accurate view of the tooth, and allow them to treat the tooth quickly and comfortably.
An endodontist is a dentist who specialises in saving teeth. Endodontists become specialists by completing dental school, followed by an additional two or more years of advanced training that includes the diagnosis and treatment of dental pain. They perform routine, as well as difficult and very complex root canal procedures, including endodontic surgery and treatment of traumatic dental injuries.
Endodontist often utilize state-of-the-art technology such as digital imaging, operating microscopes, ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics while performing root canal treatment. Advanced technologies, together with specialized techniques, give endodontists a very accurate view of the tooth, and allow them to treat the tooth quickly and comfortably.
What is Endodontic Treatment?
“Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatment is one type of endodontic treatment.
To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a 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.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a 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.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Why Do I Need An Endodontic Procedure?
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.
How Does Endodontic Treatment Save The Tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, a channel inside the root, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Will I Feel Pain During Or After The Procedure?
Many root canal 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 tender 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 instruction carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure, or pain that last more than a few days, call your endodontist.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel tender 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 instruction carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure, or pain that last more than a few days, call your endodontist.
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.
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.
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.
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 endure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
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.
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.
How Much Will The Procedure Cost?
The cost varies depending on how sever the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat and usually cost more. Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for endodontic treatment.
Generally, root canal treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive then the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. The procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.
Generally, root canal treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive then the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. The procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.
Will The Tooth Need Any Special Care or Additional Treatment?
You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing and regular checkups and cleanings.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment fails to heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or disease months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this happens, another endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment fails to heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or disease months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this happens, another endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
Call All Teeth Be Treat 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, advanced in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. And, when endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.
Visit the American Association of Endodontics website, if you would like to read more about root canal therapy and some myths about Root Canals and Root Canal Pain
