Root Canal Therapy
Root canal or endodontic therapy is treatment used to repair and save a tooth that has been infected due to a deep cavity or cracked tooth. The treatment involves removing the pulp and the nerves of the tooth, and cleaning the infected area. A tooth's pulp and nerve is not important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has fully emerged from the gums. If the treatment is not performed, pus builds up at the root tip and the infection of the pulp can spread to the surrounding bone. The results in pain and swelling, and your tooth would likely have to be removed.
What are the signs that a root canal is needed?
- Severe tooth pain while chewing
- Your tooth pain wakes you up at night
- Teeth that are highly sensitive to hot or cold, with the sensitivity lingering for some time.
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swollen gums in the area of the infected tooth
What does the treatment involve?
First, an opening is made into the pulp chamber through the top or the back of the tooth.. Once the pulp is removed, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned. Generally, the root canal can be completed in one visit and a temporary filling will be placed into the hole that was made to access the pulp.
Depending on the particular situation, it may occasionally take two or more visits to complete the root canal.
Root canal therapy has a high rate of success and many teeth undergoing the procedure can be saved to last a lifetime. In most cases, a crown will be necessary to restore the tooth - particularly back teeth. Failure to restore the tooth properly may lead to eventual fracture and loss of the tooth.
