What is endodontic treatment?
To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth's growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Why would I need an endodontic procedure?
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
Procedures :
1) The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a "dental dam" over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
2) The endodontist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very
small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and
root canals and to shape the space for filling.
3) After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root
canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material
called "gutta-percha." The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive
cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a
temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling
will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
4) After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your
dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to
protect and restore it to full function.
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