Root Canal Treatment
What is endodontic treatment?
“Endo” comes from the Greek word for “inside,” and “odont” means “tooth.” Endodontic treatment focuses on treating the inside of the tooth to preserve its health and function. This procedure is commonly known as a root canal and is designed to remove damaged or infected pulp, helping to save the natural tooth.
Inside each tooth, beneath the enamel and the hard dentin layer, lies the soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, and it plays a key role in forming the surrounding hard tissues during development. While the pulp is essential during a tooth’s growth, a fully developed tooth can remain healthy even without it, as it continues to receive nutrients from the tissues around the root.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Endodontic Procedure
Endodontic treatment usually takes one or two visits and follows these steps:
- The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
- The endodontist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.
- After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
- After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
- If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist or endodontist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.
Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
Many endodontic procedures relieve tooth pain caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Modern techniques and anesthetics make most procedures comfortable for patients. After treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days, especially if there was prior pain or infection. Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage this discomfort. Contact your endodontist if severe pain, pressure, or lasting discomfort occurs.
When might you need an endodontic procedure to preserve your tooth?
Endodontic 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, or 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 left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Why would a treated tooth need more care?
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause a new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may discover additional very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial procedure.
Does the tooth need care after endodontic treatment?
You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
How much will the procedure cost?
The cost of endodontic treatment depends on the complexity of the issue and which tooth is being treated, with molars typically costing more due to their difficulty. Most dental insurance plans provide some coverage for these procedures, helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
In many cases, treating and restoring a natural tooth is less expensive than extracting it. A removed tooth often requires a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, which can cost significantly more than a root canal and proper restoration. Choosing endodontic treatment allows you to save both your natural teeth and money.