Root Canal (Endodontic) Treatment
In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you would probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal treatment, you are able to that tooth.
When a tooth is broken or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp chamber where the nerve is. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause the pulp tissue to die. When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result and without treatment there is a risk of loose the tooth.
In majority of the times root canal therapy can be done in on visit. During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp. Next the pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are cleaned and sealed. Most of the times the root canal treated tooth requires a crown to strength and protect the remaining tooth structure. Then as long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups so that the root(s) of the restored tooth are nourished by the surrounding tissues, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving. Best of all, your tooth can be saved as your smile! |
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