GP GODART: Diseases In Dentistry

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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

If your tooth's nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, ROOT CANAL TREATMENT is often the only way to save your tooth.

Inside your tooth's outer shell is a nourishing pulp of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves. The root canals, which contain the pulp, extend to the bone.

Deep tooth decay, or an injury, can cause serious damage and infection to the pulp's nerves and vessels. Root canal, or ENDODONTIC, treatment cleans out the infected pulp chamber and repairs the damage.

Root canal,or ENDODONTIC, treatment is usually performed by a specialty dentist called an ENDODONTIST.

Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be: *Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.

*Sensitivity to hot and cold foods(with heat, the pain is usually of a delayed reaction and slowly builds to a maximum and then subsides).

*Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess(infection) in the bone.

P R O C E D U R E

STEP 1
After the tooth is anesthetized, an opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber.

STEP 2
The length of the root canals is determined.(Don't be alarmed if numerous x-rays are taken as they are necessary to determine the exact length)

STEP 3
Unhealthy pulp is removed. Canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.

STEP 4
Canals are filled and sealed.

STEP 5
The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. At this time your ENDODONTIST(someone who specializes in root canal therapy) will refer you back to your dentist for a permanent restoration.

STEP 6
A metal post may be added for structural support or to retain restorative materials.

STEP 7
Usually a gold or porcelain crown adds further protection.

The material used to fill your root canal will probably last you a lifetime, but eventually the filling or crown may need to be replaced.