Root canal or endodontic treatment is the salvation of millions of teeth every year. Endodontics refers to treatment of the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is a delicate collection of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve fibers. While there are many reasons for performing endodontic treatment, infection and trauma are the most common.
Dentists diagnose the need for root canal treatment, and rule out other problems such as heart or sinus pain by asking the patient questions and testing the tooth. The dentist tests the tooth's response to pressure, tapping, cold, and even electrical current.
When the dentist finds that the pulp is infected, the dentist cleans the root canal with thin files and chemical rinses. Usually, the dentist fills the canal with a resilient material such as the rubber, gutta percha. The final restoration may be a silver or composite restoration (filling) or a crown with or without a post. Correctly treated, the tooth may last for many years. However, it is possible for an endodontically treated tooth to develop decay or gum disease like any other tooth.
Common complications may effect the outcome of root canal treatment. There may be small canals that the dentist is not able to find or fully clean. The tooth may have a cracked root. The small files which are necessary to clean the canals may break within the canal. Root canal treatment normally allows the body to heal the infection. When infection lingers, dentists may recommend a surgical procedure, apicoectomy, to remove the infection from around the root of the tooth.
Keeping the natural tooth is usually the best treatment. Alternatives to endodontic treatment include doing nothing or removing the tooth. In most cases, replacing the tooth quickly with a dental implant and a crown will prevent the other teeth from shifting into the space.
Author: Dr. David Leader
© 2008 Associated Content