What is Endodontic treatment?
“Endo” is the greek word for “inside” and “odonto” is Greek for “tooth.” Therefore, endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.
Deep inside the tooth, below the outer layers of enamel and dentin is a third area called the pulp of the tooth. The pulp, unlike the outer layers contains soft tissues and blood vessels and nerves. It is when these inner soft tissues become infected with bacteria (germs) that the tooth becomes very painful, and requires endodontic therapy (Root Canal Treatment).
“Endo” is the greek word for “inside” and “odonto” is Greek for “tooth.” Therefore, endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.
Deep inside the tooth, below the outer layers of enamel and dentin is a third area called the pulp of the tooth. The pulp, unlike the outer layers contains soft tissues and blood vessels and nerves. It is when these inner soft tissues become infected with bacteria (germs) that the tooth becomes very painful, and requires endodontic therapy (Root Canal Treatment).
There are several reasons why a tooth may become inflammed or infected. Some of these are deep dental decay, or cracks that develop and allow the germs to reach the pulp of the tooth. Surprisingly, teeth that have been refilled several times often become extremely sensitive and also require root canal therapy.
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. The need for root canal therapy will be determined by the dentist’s examination of the tooth, and by taking a certain type of x-ray picture called a periapical radiograph.
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. The need for root canal therapy will be determined by the dentist’s examination of the tooth, and by taking a certain type of x-ray picture called a periapical radiograph.
Why should the infected teeth be treated as soon as possible?
It is quite common that if a tooth with an infected pulp is allowed to remain untreated, the germs will extend past the tips of the roots and will infect the bone surrounding the tooth. The longer this is allowed to go on the more serious the condition becomes, and stopping the infection will require more complicated procedures.
With modern anesthetics and techniques the great majority of patients can be kept comfortable and pain-free during the endodontic procedure.
It is quite common that if a tooth with an infected pulp is allowed to remain untreated, the germs will extend past the tips of the roots and will infect the bone surrounding the tooth. The longer this is allowed to go on the more serious the condition becomes, and stopping the infection will require more complicated procedures.
With modern anesthetics and techniques the great majority of patients can be kept comfortable and pain-free during the endodontic procedure.