 Natural teeth are meant to last a life time.
Even if one of your teeth becomes injured or diseased, it can often be saved through a specialized dental procedure called root canal (endodontic) treatment. To help you understand why this procedure might be needed, and how a damaged tooth might be saved, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about endodontic treatment.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment usually involves the removal of the tooth's pulp. a small threadlike tissue that was important for tooth development. Once removed it is replaced with materials that seal off the root canal from it's supporting structures. Years ago diseased or injured teeth were often extracted. Today even if the pulp of one of your teeth becomes injured or infected, it can often be saved by root canal (endodontic) treatment. Endodontics is the area of dentistry that is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases or injuries to the dental pulp.
What is the dental pulp?
The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue of a tooth. It lies in a canal in the center of the dentin - the hard tissue inside of the tooth that supports the outer layer of tooth enamel. The crown, the portion of the tooth that is visible above the gums, contains the pulp chamber. the pulp extends from this chamber through the root canal to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws. Teeth have only one pulp chamber but may have more than one root and several root canals.
What happens if the pulp gets injured?
When the pulp gets diseased or injured and inable to repair itself, it loses vitality. The most common causes of pupl death are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or traumatic injury to the tooth. Bacteria and it's products can leak into teh pulp eventually causing it to lose vitality. If not treated with a root canal, an abcess can form at the end of the root resulting in pain and swelling.
What does treatment involve?
Treatment usually involves from one to three visits. During treatment Dr. Ostroth or an endodontist ( dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) are then cleaned, shaped, filled and sealed off from the bone surrounding the root. In case of considerable tooth structure loss, a metal or plastic rod or post may be placed in the root canal for structural support, then Dr. Ostroth usually places a crown over the tooth.
Why does the pulp need to be removed?
If the injured or diseased pulp is not removed, the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth can become infected, resulting in pain and swelling. Even if there is no pain, certain substances released by bacteria can damage the bone that that anchors the tooth in the jaw. Without treatment the tooth may have to be removed.
What material will be used for the crown?
Crowns are made from a number of materials. Gold Alloys, or non-precious alloys, porcelain or ceramic, or combinations of these materials may be used. The type of material usued for the crown depend on a number of factors, including where the tooth is located in the mouth, the color of the tooth, and the amount of natural tooth remaining. Feel free to talk to Dr. Ostroth about which options are right for you.
Why couldn't you just remove the tooth?
There are many disadvantages to losing a natural tooth. When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the adjacent teeth may begin to shift from their natural position. This may cause teeth to become crooked or crowded ,which decreases biting and chewing efficency. Crowded or crooked teeth may be more prone to gum disease because they are harder to keep clean than properly aligned teeth. A replacement tooth (an implant or a bridge) is susually more expensive than endodontic treatment and can involve more extensive dental procedures on adjacent teeth.A natural tooth is normally better than an artificial one.
How long will the restored tooth last?
As long as the roots of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around them, your tooth can remain healthy. However the tooth could still become decayed, so good oral hygiene at home and regular dental exams are necessary to prevent both tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
 Here's how your tooth is
saved through treatment:
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1 First the tooth is usually isolated from saliva with a dam (a rubber-like sheet placed around the tooth). An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber. Local anesthesia is usually given prior to this step so that you will be more comfortable during treatment.
2 The pulp is removed carefully from both the pulp chamber and root canal(s). The root canal(s) is cleaned, enlarged, and shaped to a form that can be filled.
3 Medication may be put into the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help eliminate bacteria.
4 A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to prevent saliva from getting into the chamber and root canals. You might also be given antibiotics if infection is present and has spread beyond the end of the root(s).
5 During the next stage of treatment, the temporary filling is removed, the root canal(s) are then filled and permanatly sealed with a natural biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha.
6 In the final step, a crown made of porcelain or metal alloy is usually placed over the tooth to restore structure, function and appearance.
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