Root canal or endodontic treatment - Root canal or Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime
A root canal treatment is performed if you have an infection in the core of your tooth. Common symptoms include sore and swollen gums, toothache, pain when eating or drinking, and facial swelling. Despite common concerns a root canal treatment is not painful, and a timely treatment can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely.
Treatment done to the inside of the tooth—is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. During root canal or endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist for second visit to place a crown or filling on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with prescription medications. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed.