Endodontics is also known as Root Canal treatment. This is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth is infected through tooth decay or injury. This infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth leading to an abscess. If Root Canal treatment is not carried out the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be removed.. A crown or any other restoration is then placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.

Indications

A root canal treatment is needed when a tooth’s nerve and associated blood vessels are irreversibly damaged. For example:

Tooth damaged by trauma

A fractured tooth

Deep cavity that has infected the nerve.

The end result is the same – an infection that leads to an abscess at the base of the tooth.

Signs & Symptoms

Throbbing pain in the tooth

There may also be a swelling in the jaw

The tooth may be painful to chew on

Pain on consuming hot or cold foods

Teeth that are severely worn out.

• Procedure

Step1: The tooth is anaesthetized and an opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber.

Step2: The length of the root canals is determined. Unhealthy pulp is removed. The canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped with special root canal files and disinfecting solutions.

Step3: Once the tooth is free of infection, the tooth is filled with a special filling material like gutta percha and sealed with a temporary filling.

Step4: A post and core may be added for structural support. A crown may then be placed for further protection of the tooth.