Decatur Family DentistryEndodontics

Endodontics is a specialized form of dentistry that treats diseases or injuries that affect the root tip or nerve of the tooth and the structures called the pulp chamber, pulp, and root canal of the tooth. Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic procedure. Endodontics is one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association; it was recognized as a dental specialty in 1963.

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Root canal treatment usually takes one to three visits. Here is what normally occurs during a root canal procedure:
● First, your gums are numbed with a topical substance and a local anesthetic is injected into the nearby area to completely numb your teeth, gums, tongue, and skin. For patients with an acute low tolerance for pain or anxiety, nitrous oxide gas may be used.
● A small sheet of rubber is placed over the surrounding area of the affected tooth in order to isolate it from surrounding teeth and prevent you from swallowing debris.
● A small hole is made in the top of the tooth in order to access the pulp chamber, pulp and root canals. The pulp is removed, the pulp chamber cleaned and the canals are cleared of debris and tissue. In most cases, the canals are first filled with antibiotic medications and temporary filling materials up to the gum line.
● Depending on the circumstances, the root canal may be left open for a few days in order to drain. In some cases, the canals may be filled right away with a final root canal filling.
● If the canals are not permanently sealed, the temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and canal(s) are filled with a rubber-like material to prevent recontamination. If the tooth is still weak, a metal post may be inserted above the canal filling to reinforce the tooth.
● Once filled, the area is permanently sealed, and an impression of the tooth is made so an artificial crown can be made for placement over the affected tooth. In some cases, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth until the permanent gold or porcelain crown is made and cemented in, usually by your family dentist.

Reasons for root canal treatmentRoot canal treatment is called for when the soft tissue inside the tooth's canals, also called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected by bacteria. The most common cause of pulp death is a fractured tooth or a deep cavity, which can expose the pulp to the bacteria found in your saliva. A traumatic injury or blow to the tooth could cause swelling and inflammation of the tissues in and around the tooth, providing an opportunistic path, usually through a crack, for bacteria to collect. Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth could eventually weaken and compromise the original tooth, allowing pathogens to enter the inner canals. An infected pulp can lead to swelling and possibly fever; left untreated, infected pulp could leak harmful toxins from the root ends, leading to an abscess and erosion of the bone beneath the tooth.
Post-treatment careA root canal procedure is designed to restore a damaged inner tooth, giving it the same lifespan as its original. With proper care following your procedure, your restored tooth should heal with about a 95% success rate. It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days as your body undergoes the natural healing process. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications. It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications. Remember that narcotic medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy, and at least eight hours should pass prior to operating dangerous machinery or driving a car after taking them. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment has been completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, contact our office.


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