Saving Your Tooth Through Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment

A healthy tooth consists of a crown... Crown

...and a root. Crown Root

Under the hard layers of enamel and dentin... Enamel Dentin

is soft tissue called pulp. Enamel Dentin Pulp Tissue

The pulp creates dentin during development.

After the tooth is mature, it can survive without the pulp because the tooth will continue to be nourished by surrounding tissues.

When a tooth is damaged through injury or decay... Decay

…the pulp can become damaged. Decay Damaged Pulp

If left untreated, an abscess can form. Decay Abscess Damaged Pulp

How do you know if the pulp of your tooth is damaged?

Signs of damaged pulp: u Pain u Prolonged sensitivity to heat, cold or biting u Discoloration of the tooth u Swelling and tenderness in the gums

Sometimes there are no symptoms. But endodontic problems are often evident on an x-ray...

…so it’s important to see your general dentist at least twice a year.

If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to see your dentist.

When you visit your general dentist or endodontist, the following steps may be taken:

Preparation for Treatment u Tooth examined u X-rays taken u Anesthetic given u Dental dam placed

A dental dam is a small sheet of rubber that surrounds the tooth. It will isolate your tooth and keep it clean during the procedure.

Once your tooth is completely numb...

...your endodontist will make an opening in the crown... Access Opening

...and gently clean the pulp from the pulp chamber... Access Opening Cleaned and Shaped Pulp Chamber

...and root canals. Access Opening Cleaned and Shaped Pulp Chamber and Root Canal

Once the root canals are cleaned and shaped...

…your endodontist will fill the canals... Filled Root Canals

…with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Filled Root Canals

Your endodontist may then place a temporary filling. Filled Root Canals Temporary Filling

This filling is meant to last for just a short period... Filled Root Canals Temporary Filling

...most likely a few days to a few weeks. Filled Root Canals Temporary Filling

Shortly after your initial treatment, you will need to return to your general dentist, who will place a final restoration.

In some cases...

...a large filling, called a core build up, may be necessary. Filled Root Canals Core build up Gutta-percha

If your tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold this filling... Filled Root Canals Core build up

…a post may also be placed inside the tooth. Filled Root Canals Core build up Post Gutta-percha

The purpose of the post is to help retain the core build up. Post

At this time, a crown or other restoration will be placed. Gutta-percha Final Restoration

Until the final restoration is placed, your tooth will be susceptible to fracture...

…so be sure to have the final restoration placed in a timely manner.

Your tooth may remain sensitive for a few days following treatment. Over-the-counter or prescription medications should relieve this discomfort.

If pain is severe or swelling occurs, call your endodontist.

Brushing, flossing and regular checkups and cleanings are still important.

Like any other tooth, your endodontically treated tooth can decay again.

Your endodontist may schedule a follow-up exam to evaluate the healing process.

While it is usually best to save a natural tooth, it is sometimes necessary to extract, or remove, the tooth instead.

Extraction is indicated when: u The tooth is severely damaged u Bone structure is not adequate to support the treatment

When a tooth is extracted, it is usually replaced with a bridge or implant. While these replacements can be successful, nothing is as good as your natural tooth.

Your teeth are important...

…esthetically….

…and functionally.

Tooth replacements can be effective...

…however, it has been found that people with implants or other replacements may avoid some types of foods...

...while people with their natural teeth continue to eat a wide variety of foods.

It is also important to remember that extraction of the tooth and replacement with a bridge or implant can be more costly than endodontic treatment.

Some people avoid endodontic treatment for fear that a treated tooth may turn dark. In most cases, this does not happen.

But in situations where it does happen, the tooth can usually be bleached to an acceptable color with a simple procedure.

In summary, endodontic treatment: u Relieves pain u Saves teeth u Is cost effective

If you have any questions, please ask your general dentist or endodontist. And remember...

…with proper care...

Endodontically treated teeth can last a lifetime! The End