Endodontics
Endodontic treatment is most commonly known as ‘Root Canal Treatment’.
‘Endo’ is the Greek work for ‘Inside’ & ‘Odont’ is Greek for ‘Tooth’
Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.
Understanding your Treatment
Years ago, diseased or damaged teeth were removed. Today modern dental techniques are able to save such teeth. One of the most common approaches to saving teeth is called ‘Root Canal Therapy’ or, in dental terminology, ‘Endodontic Therapy’.
Inside all teeth is the ‘Pulp’ which contains the nerves & blood supply to the tooth. Root Canal Therapy becomes necessary when this pulp is diseased or damaged which can happen in a number of ways.
Examples include:
- Bacteria from a deep cavity enters the tooth & causes infection
- The tooth becomes injured in such a way that the blood supply is ruptured or the nerve damaged
- A fracture of the tooth exposes the pulp to bacteria found in the mouth
- Gum (Periodontal) disease is so severe that it causes an infection of the pulp
In addition, a Root Canal Treatment may be advisable if the tooth is very badly broken down & the internal structure of the tooth requires greater support in order for the dentist to be able to save & restore it.
All of these conditions can cause severe toothache, pain on biting down & prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold.
Deterioration of the pulp, however, may happen so gradually that it can be virtually painless. Failure to have a Root Canal Treatment when any of these situations exist may result in the loss of your tooth.
Saving your Smile
Your dentist will remove the diseased pulp tissue through a small opening in the crown (top) of the tooth. They will use radiographs (x-rays) for guidance.
If you are experiencing severe pain from the tooth, this usually provides dramatic relief. The canal area inside the tooth is then cleaned & medicine placed inside to control any bacteria & reduce infection.
When the dentist is certain that your tooth is free from infection, they will fill & seal the canals with a special material to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Once Root Canal Therapy has been successfully completed the outer part of the tooth can be restored, giving you back your smile!