Endodontics
(Root Canal Therapy)
If decay has reached the tooth root a "Root Canal"
will be necessary to save the tooth.
Common
Reasons for a Root Canal |
 1. Decay has reached the nerve, which has caused an abscess.
The number one cause is untreated decay!
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Decay
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Decay left untreated
resulting in an abscess |
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2. A cracked, fractured or chipped tooth that
exposes or damages a nerve.
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When trauma causes the
nerve to separate from the tooth. A root canal will be necessary. |
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A cracked tooth can
cause the need for a root canal if the crack exposes a nerve.
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A chipped tooth that
exposes a nerve will require a root canal.
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What
happens during a root canal? |
The tooth decay is removed. Next, the pulp (nerves and blood
vessels) is removed and the pulp chamber of the tooth and the roots are rinsed.
With sufficient anesthesia this procedure is rather pain free.
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Rinsed |
Rubber Filled |
Crown |
Once the tooth is clean and free of infection, the pulp chamber is
filled with a rubber like material and the tooth is then filled or crowned. This will
depend on the extent of the damage to the tooth itself and other factors.
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