What
is root canal treatment?
After
completely numbing the tooth, an tiny opening is made to access
the inside of the tooth. Using small, thin, sterile
instruments called endodontic files, which come in different
sizes, that will clean and shape the tiny
canal(s) of the tooth.
After
the canal(s) are cleaned, shaped and sterilized, a biocompatible
material, called gutta percha,
is placed within the canal(s) to completely seal them, to make sure that
no other bacteria or debris enter the canal(s).
After
completion of the root canal procedure, Dr. Neuhaus will
determine if a post and crown (cap) will be required to restore the
tooth.
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 jaw.
What
happens if the pulp gets injured?
|
An
abscessed (infected) tooth caused by tooth decay.
|
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, Dr.
Neuhaus or an endodontist (a dentist who specializes in
root canal problems) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root
canals 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.
|
|
An
opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp
chamber.
|
2.
The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped to a
form that can be filled.
|
|
The
pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged
and shaped.
|
3. The shaped root canals
are cleansed and sterilized to help get rid of germs and
prevent infection. Finally they are permanently sealed with a special,
biocompatible filling material called gutta percha.
4. A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect
the tooth between dental visits. 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.
|
5.
The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canals
are cleaned and filled.
6. In the final step, a 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.
|
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
roots of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your
tooth will remain healthy.
What
To Expect After Root
Canal Therapy
