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Why would I need an endodontic procedure?
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft
tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The
inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep
decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or
chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause
pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If
pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause
pain or lead to an abscess.
What are the signs of needing endodontic
treatment?
Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat
or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the
tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes
as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes, however,
there are no symptoms.
How does endodontic treatment save the
tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp,
carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, a channel
inside the root, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you
will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other
restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full
function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function
like any other tooth.
Will I feel pain during or after the
procedure?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain
of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With
modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that
they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel
sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the
procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter
or prescription medications. Follow your endodontist’s
instructions carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your
other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is
completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain
that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.
Endodontic Procedure
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits
and involves the following steps:
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.
If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to
hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may
place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist or endodontist
for more details about the specific restoration planned for your
tooth.
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