ENDODONTICS

Relax - There is no need to lose your troubled tooth....

ENDODONTICS (Root Canal Treatment)

             ........can save it for you.

 Your dentist has advised you to have root canal treatment.
 This treatment is concerned with removing the dental pulp ("nerve of the tooth") and filling the nerve canal of the tooth.

THE DENTAL PULP

The dental pulp is the name given to the soft tissue situated in a canal 
that runs through the root of your tooth.  It consists mainly of nerves
and blood vessels.

The main function of the dental pulp is to regulate the growth and development
of the tooth during childhood. 

A tooth can function normally without its pulp and can be kept 
indefinitely. After endodontic treatment the tooth is pulpless, but it is
still a useful tooth.

HOW DOES THE PULP BECOME DISEASED?

The most common cause of pulp damage is deep decay that reaches the pulp. 
Other causes of damage include: 
traumatic blows to teeth, loose fillings, excessive wear of teeth and 
gum disease.  These processes can lead to infection of the pulp.

The infection may then spread through the opening at the tip of the root to 
the surrounding bone - an abscess usually results and this may be painful and
may cause swelling.

WHAT IS ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?

During endodontic treatment, the infected or damaged pulp is removed from the
inside (i.e. root canal) of your tooth. 
 
 

The root canals are then cleaned, sterilized and shaped.

The final stage is to seal the canals with a filling material to prevent 
further infection.

This treatment can take several appointments, depending on how many roots your 
tooth has, and how bad the infection was in the tooth.

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Sedative dressings and temporary fillings may be placed inside your tooth 
between each visit in order to settle the surrounding tissues and destroy 
any remaining bacteria.

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During endodontic treatment your tooth may be isolated with a sheet of 
rubber ("rubber dam") - this is to keep your tooth clean and dry so that the 
canals can be sterilised.
 

WHY ARE X-RAYS TAKEN?

It is necessary to take radiographs (commonly called x-rays)
during treatment - these are required to check various treatment stages.
Since the roots are under the gum and bone , the root canals can not be seen
with the naked eye and can only be visualised using radiographs.

IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?

Ther is no real substitute for your own tooth.  It is far more efficient in
chewing and biting than an artificial tooth.  Endodontic treatment is done 
to save your tooth.

The only alternative method of removing the infection is to extract your 
tooth.  Then, if you do not have the tooth replaced with an artifical one,
the adjoining teeth will shift, interfering with biting and chewing.  Loss of
a tooth can lead to many other complex problems in the region including gum
disease, decay of other teeth, jaw joint degeneration and jaw muscle problems.
(see article "Why replace a missing tooth?")
Replacing your tooth with an artifical tooth often involves treatment of the
adjacent teeth.

WILL THERE BE ANY PAIN?

Endodontic treatment is a comfortable procedure and it involves no pain since 
the tooth will be anaesthetized during treatment.

However, you may have some discomfort after each appointment due to the 
inflammation of the surrounding tissues - this is usually relieved by the 
dressing that your dentist puts in the tooth.  Sometimes a mild analgesic 
may be required. Antibiotics may be prescribed.

SUCCESS OF TREATMENT

Your tooth will only be treated if there is a very good chance of it lasting
a long time.  However, no guarantee can be given - because people have varied 
healing reponses and some infections may respond differently. Studies indicate 
that about 95% of cases heal successfully and uneventfully.  If your case
is considered less favourable, then you will be informed.

Healing of the jaw bone around the tooth can be slow and it is improtant to
have your tooth reviewed regularly to assess success.  You will be recalled for 
these checks.

AFTER TREATMENT

When the endodontic treatment has been completed, a filling or crown will
be necessary. This will restore your tooth to its original shape and function.
The tooth should be restored properly as soon as possible as there a risk of
fracture due to biting forces.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Endodontic treatment is a complex procedure and the cost will vary 
depending on how severe the problem is and the type of tooth. In general,
back teeth are more difficult to treat than front teeth. endodontic treatment
is usually less expensive than extracting a tooth and replacing it with an
artificial one.

WHO DOES ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?

All dentists are trained to carry out endodontic treatment. Some dentists
will refer complicated cases to an endodontist.
Endodontists are specialist dentists who limit their practice to root canal
treatment. If specialist care is indicated your dentist will discuss this
with you.