Root Canal
What is root canal
treatment?
Root canal treatment usually
involves the removal of the tooth's pulp, a small threadlike
tissue that was important for tooth development. Once  removed,
it is replaced with materials that seal off the root canal
from its supporting structures. Years ago, diseased or injured
teeth were often extracted. Today, even if the pulp of one
of your teeth becomes injured or infected, it often can be
saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment. Endodontics
is the area of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment of diseases or injuries to the dental pulp.
What is the dental
pulp?
The pulp is the
soft tissue that contains the blood vessels, nerves, and
connective tissue of a tooth. It lies in a canal that runs
through the center of the dentin --the hard tissue
on the inside of the tooth that supports the outer layer
of tooth enamel. The crown (the portion of the
tooth visible above the gums) contains the pulp chamber .
The pulp extends from this chamber down through the root
canal to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws. Teeth
have only one pulp chamber but may have more that one root
and several root canals.
What happens if the
pulp gets injured?
When the pulp is diseased
or injured and unable to repair itself, it loses its vitality.
The most common causes of pulp death are a cracked tooth,
a deep cavity, or traumatic injury to the tooth. Bacteria
and its products can leak into the pulp, eventually causing
it to lose vitality. If not treated with a root canal, an
abscess can form at the end of the root, resulting in pain
and swelling.
Why does the pulp
need to be removed?
If the injured or diseased
pulp is not removed, the tissues surrounding the root of
the tooth can become infected, resulting in pain and swelling.
Even if there is no pain, certain substances released by
bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth in the
jaw. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.
General Dentistry
As a general dentist Dr. Jonathan Yahav DDS is the primary care provider for patients of all ages. He is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to his patients oral health.
Hundreds and hundreds of hours of ongoing education keeps Dr. Yahav DDS at the cutting edge of his field and maintaining the optimal standards of patient care.
|
 |
Why couldn't you just remove the
tooth?
There are many disadvantages to losing a natural tooth.
When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the adjacent teeth
may begin to shift from their normal position. This may cause
the teeth to become crooked or crowded, which decreases biting
and chewing efficiency. Crowded or crooked teeth may be more
prone to gum disease because they are harder to keep clean
that properly aligned teeth. A replacement tooth (an implant
or bridge) is usually more expensive than endodontic treatment
and can involve more extendsivce dental procedures on adaent
teeth. A natureal tooth is normally better than an artificial
tooth.
What does treatment involve?
Treatment usually involves from one to three visits. During
treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist
who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased
pulp,. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) are then cleaned,
shaped, filled and sealed off from the bone surrounding the
root. In case of considerable tooth structure loss, a metal
or plastic rod or post may be placed in the root canal for
structural support, and a crown is usually placed over the
tooth.
What material will be used for the crown?
 Crown's
are made from a number of materials. Gold allots or nonprecious
alloys, porcelain or ceramic, acrylic or composite resin
or combinations of these materials may be used. The type
of material used for the crown will depend on a number of
factors including where the tooth is located your mouth,
the color of the tooth and the amount of natural tooth remaining.
Talk with your dentist about which option is suited to your
situation.
How long will the restored tooth last?
A s long as the root(s) of a treated tooth is nourished
by the tissues around it, your tooth can remain healthy.
However, the tooth could still become decayed, so good oral
hygiene at home and regular dental exams are necessary to
help prevent both tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Click here to find
out how your tooth is saved through treatment.
back
to services |
