WHAT IS ENDODONTIC (ROOT CANAL) TREATMENT?

It used to be that if a tooth was infected or the nerve in the tooth was dying, the tooth would have to be pulled. Today because of a procedure known as root canal treatment the infection can be treated, the injured nerve taken out and the pain associated with such symptoms alleviated.

A common reason for root canal treatment is an infected or abscessed tooth, which may result from a deep cavity, periodontal disease, or even a fractured tooth. Sometimes, trauma - like a sharp blow to the mouth can result in damage to the pulp of the tooth. Should you have symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold or discomfort on touching your tooth, a dentist should be consulted immediately.

Root Canal treatment removes the pulp tissue, which is composed of a nerve and blood supply within the tooth. After all the material has been removed from within the root, the canal or canals if it is a multi-rooted tooth, are sterilized and sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from reentering.


Because a root canal removes everything, which feeds the tooth and keeps it alive the tooth will become very brittle after a period of time. This time period varies from person to person. It is for that reason that the tooth should be restored as quickly as possible and your dentist might recommend that a post and a crown be placed as a final restoration. Back teeth are usually crowned or capped shortly after a root canal has been performed to prevent the tooth from shattering due to the pressure put on it by chewing.

Root canal work is not uncomfortable, and in some instances can be performed in one visit. The discomfort associated with root canal is due to the infection associated with the need for the root canal. If there is recurring pain after the root canal has been started, or after it is completed be sure to notify your dentist as soon as possible.

IS ROOT CANAL THERAPY FOR EVERYONE?

Yes! Everyone who wants to save her or his teeth (having been diagnosed as having a problem needing root canal therapy) can benefit and expect to maintain the tooth in its healthiest state, once the root canal is completed. There is no limitation for age or state of health.

ImageAn abscess that has formed around the apex of a lower central incisor can be favorably treated by retreating the tooth and/or an endodontic surgical procedure - a decision that should be made by your dentist. The single limitation for root canal therapy for any given tooth is the restorability of the tooth. Simply, restorability means confirming there is enough tooth structure to save and ultimately restore the tooth to function. Once treated through root canal therapy and appropriately restored, a tooth (with a previous abscess or infected dental pulp) can function normally for a very long time.

Your dentist can best determine the final permanent restoration for the root canal treated tooth. If a root canal ever does fail, consider that there are still treatment options with very good success rates that can save your tooth, root canal re-treatment and endodontic surgery. A tooth that has had a root canal can develop an abscess and/or infection. It can be due to the breakdown of the root canal material at the apex of the tooth. By retreating a tooth that has had a root canal a better seal can potentially be placed. Once the seal is reestablished, the abscess or infection may degenerate. Alternatively, if the abscess does not diminish, a surgical procedure, called an apicoectomy might be indicated as well.