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A dental procedure in which diseased or damaged pulp of a tooth is removed and the inside areas are filled and sealed.

Did you know?
Constant sensitivity to heat or cold is a symptom that there is something wrong with your teeth, at the onset you should see you dentist for consultation and through X-ray the dentist can assess the treatment needed.

When the tooth's pulp's soft tissue that contains the blood supply, by which the tooth get its nutrients, and the nerve by which the tooth senses hot and cold is damaged.
This tissue is vulnerable to damage from deep dental decay, accidental injury, tooth fracture or trauma from repeated dental procedures. If the tooth becomes diseased or injured, bacteria build up inside the pulp, spreading infection from the natural crown of the tooth to the root tips in the jawbone. Pus accumulates at the ends of the roots, forming a painful abscess, which can damage the bone supporting the teeth. Such an infection may produce pain that is severe, constant, or throbbing, as well as prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling, and discoloration of the tooth.
It is performed under local anesthesia. A thin sheet of rubber, called a rubber dam, is placed in the mouth to isolate the tooth. The dentist removes any tooth decay and makes an opening through the natural crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber. Creating this access also relieves the pressure inside the tooth and can dramatically ease pain.
The dentist determines the length of the root canals, usually with a series of x-rays. Small wire-like files are then used to clean the entire canal space of diseased pulp tissue and bacteria. The debris is flushed out with large amount of water. It is also slightly enlarged and shaped to receive an inert filling material called gutta percha. However, the tooth is not filled and permanently sealed until it is free of active infection. The dentist may place a temporary seal, or leave the tooth open to drain, and prescribe an antibiotic to counter any spread of infection from the tooth. This is why root canal treatment may require several visits.
Once the canals are completely clean, they are filled with gutta percha and a sealer cement to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth n the future. A metal post maybe placed in the pulp chamber for added structural support and better retention of the crown restoration. A temporary filling or crown protects the tooth until a permanent restoration is made. This restoration is usually a gold or porcelain crown, although it may be a gold inlay, or an amalgam or composite filling.
The tooth may be sore for several days after filling. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken to ease the soreness. The tissues around the tooth may also be irritated. Rinsing the mouth with hot salt water several times a day will help.
Chewing on that side of the mouth should be avoided for the first few days following treatment.
A follow-up appointment should be scheduled with the dentist after treatment to make sure the tooth and surrounding structures are healthy.
Should you feel abnormal symptoms such as pain for more than 2 days or swelling, see you dentist before the appointment.
 
 
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