Endodontics is a specialty that specifically deals with
disease of the dental pulp and supporting structures of
the teeth. The purpose of the root canal is to save the
tooth. Though general dentists can perform endodontic
treatment, patients needing root canals are often referred
to specialists. This is because endodontists have special
training in this field, training is 2 year program after
the dental school.
In order to better understand what we do, it helps
to know a little bit about teeth. There are three
main layers in teeth. The first is the hard outer
shell called enamel. This is what we see when we
look at someone's smile. Dentin is the supporting
layer underneath the enamel. Within the dentin is
a central core called the pulp, which contains the
blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues that are
essential to the tooth during development and supply
nutrients and sensation to the tooth throughout
its life.
The pulp, though essential in the development of
the tooth, is not essential for function. The tooth
is still able to receive the nutrients needed from
the tissues that hold the tooth in place. This is
why we can remove the pulp by performing endodontic
therapy and have the tooth function normally.
Endodontic treatment
is needed when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected
or inflamed. There can be many causes of this including
deep cavities, repeated dental procedures, cracks,
chips, or trauma to the tooth. If pulpal inflammation
and/or infection are left untreated, pain can ensue
and an abscess can result.
Endodontic treatment is usually indicated when a
tooth has had prolonged sensitivity to either hot
or cold, is tender when biting, is discolored, or
if there is swelling around the bone holding the
tooth in place. Sometimes, however, there are no
symptoms at all.
Endodontic treatment is done by removing the infected
or inflamed pulpal tissue from the tooth. The canals
from which the pulp is removed are then carefully
cleaned and smoothed and then filled and sealed.
This treatment can usually be finished in one visit
ranging from 30 to 90 minutes depending upon the
tooth and the difficulty of the case. Once the root
canal treatment is completed, however, you will
be instructed to return to your dentist to have
a permanent restoration or crown placed on the tooth.
This restoration is very important since it seals
and protects the now cleaned canals from the oral
environment as well as restores the tooth to function.
During the treatment, no matter how bad the tooth pain
the patient presents with (if any), the use of modern
anesthetic makes the procedure painless for most people.
The sooner a patient seeks treatment, the more likely
it is to have a comfortable experience throughout the
treatment. When caught early, endodontic treatment should
feel no different than having a normal filling done. It
is possible that for the first few days after treatment
some sensitivity may be present (especially to biting
and pressure), especially if pain and infection was present
before the procedure. It is possible that some over-the-counter
medications will be needed after root canal treatment
for the first day or two. Other medications can be prescribed
but they are rarely needed.
