Frequently Asked Questions
What is root canal?
To understand root canal treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is the science of treating problems with the tissue inside the tooth. When this or the tissue surrounding the tooth root is diseased or damaged due to decay or injury, endodontists typically can save the tooth by performing a root canal. During root canal treatment, the endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp and then cleans, fills and seals the canals inside the tooth. Endodontists are also experts at diagnosing and relieving oral and facial pain.
What do endodontists do?
During the root canal treatment, the endodontist removes the injured pulp (soft inner tissue) of your tooth and fills and seals the space. In that way your tooth is restored and it can function (just like any other tooth) for the rest of your life, ensuring comfortable chewing and a natural appearance.
What are the signs before I need a root canal treatment?
If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you may need a root canal. Visit your dentist or local endodontist for evaluation and treatment.
Momentary sensitivity or lingering tooth pain caused by hot or cold foods
Sharp tooth pain when biting down on food.
Constant and severe tooth pain and pressure in conjunction with swelling of the gums and sensitivity to touch.
What is an endodontic treatment?
“Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. It is also called root canal treatment.
When is a root canal treatment needed?
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes:
Deep decay
Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
A crack or chip in the tooth.
In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is not treated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Who performs root canal treatment?
All dentists, including your general dentist, receive basic training in root canal treatment in dental school. But general dentists often refer patients to endodontists. Endodontists are specialists who have two to three years’ additional training after dental school in endodontic/root canal procedures. They can often save the most severely injured teeth.
How could the medically compromised or elderly patients be prepared for a root canal treatment?
Follow these easy steps to ensure that your natural teeth last a lifetime:
Review your medical history with your endodontist. Be sure to mention any medications you are taking. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis or recent chemotherapy can affect your dental care. This information will help the specialist plan the best treatment options before your root canal takes place.
Most root canal treatments can be performed in one, virtually pain-free visit. Plan your transportation accordingly.
Return to your family dentist within two weeks of your root canal treatment for crown placement or other restorative work.