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Endodontics (Root Canals): Your Teeth Can Be Saved!
 
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the dental pulp (the tooth's
soft core.) Years ago, teeth with diseased or injured pulps were
extracted. Today, endodontic treatment gives dentists a safe and
effective means of saving teeth. Coastal Dentistry uses the most modern
equipment and techniques, routinely finishing treatment quickly and pain
free- and with the least amount of post-appointment pain! Please ask us
about this exciting new procedure, and SAVE YOUR TEETH!
Frequently Asked Questions
Even if one of your teeth should become critically injured or diseased,
it can oftentimes be saved through a dental procedure known as
endodontic treatment. To help you understand when and why such a
procedure might be needed and how a damaged tooth can be saved, we have
answered some of the most frequently asked questions about endodontic
treatment.
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What is dental pulp?
The pulp is a soft tissue that contains the nerves, arteries, veins
and lymph vessels of a tooth.
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Why does the pulp need to be removed?
If the damaged or diseased pulp is not removed, the tooth and
surrounding tissues become infected. Pain and swelling may accompany
the infection.
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What material will be used for the crown?
The type of material used for the crown will depend upon where the
tooth is located in your mouth.
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How long will the restored tooth last?
Your endodontically treated and restored tooth could last a
lifetime.
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What does endodontic treatment involve?
Treatment usually requires from one to three appointments. During
these treatments, your dentist or a specialist called an endodontist
removes the diseased pulp.
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What happens to the damaged pulp?
When the pulp is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself,
the pulp dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a tooth
fracture or a deep cavity that exposes the pulp to saliva.
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Why couldn't you just remove the tooth?
The choice is yours, but there are many disadvantages to losing a
tooth.
Removing
the Pulp
-
 Step
1
First, the tooth is isolated from the saliva with a rubber dam (a
sheet of rubber placed around the tooth.) An opening is then made
through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber. You may be
given a local anesthetic prior to this step so that you will be more
comfortable during treatment.
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Step 2
The pulp is then carefully removed from both the pulp chamber and
the root canal(s). The root canal is cleaned, enlarged and shaped to
a form that can be properly filled.
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Step 3
Medication can be put in the pulp chamber and root canals between
appointments to help eliminate bacteria and prevent infection.
Restoring
the Tooth
-
 Step
4
A temporary filling will be placed in an opening in the crown of the
tooth to protect the pulp chamber and root canals. If the pulp was
severely infected, your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few
days to drain. You may also be given antibiotics to help the body
infection that has spread beyond the tooth.
-
Step 5
During the next stage of treatment, the temporary filling is
removed. The pulp chamber and root canals are then filled and
permanently sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from
re-entering the canal.
-
Step 6
The crown of the tooth is restored. In the final step, a gold or
porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore
structure, function and appearance. If an endodontist performs the
treatment, he or she will recommend that you return to your family
dentist for this final step.
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