endodontics

problem: my tooth hurts when I bite or chew on it

problem: my dentist told me that  I have an abscess

problem: I had an exposed nerve while having a filling

Root treatment is the removal of nerve tissue from inside the crown and roots of the tooth and then filling the space completely

Root treatment is often the only way to save the tooth and to relieve pain

Root Treatment or root canal therapy or endodontics is the removal of nerve tissue (pulp) from the inside of the tooth crown and root. The nerve is removed from the tooth when it has become inflamed and caused extreme pain to hot and cold stimuli, when it is throbbing and is diagnosed to be dying (necrotising), or when there is an abscess (pus) at the top (apex) of the root as a result of the nerving having died and the dead tissue becoming infected. This may cause pressure around the top of the root pushing the tooth slightly out of the socket and stretching the retaining dental ligaments around the tooth, making the tooth extremely sensitive to touch or pressure. The tooth feels longer and is knocked first when closing the mouth.

The root treatment is done by opening a hole into the pulp chamber in the crown of the tooth and then removing all the nerve tissue from the tooth up to the apex (end) of the root. All nerve tissue, dead or alive and all infected dentine lining the root canal has to be removed and the walls of the root canal have to be filed smooth. This needs to be done under strictly sterile conditions. Amputation of the pulp relieves the pain in the case of injury or inflammation of the nerve. In the case of an abscess, opening the root canal allows the pus to drain out from the apical tissues and relieves the pressure and the pain.

The root treatment is completed by filling the root canal with various products, gutta percha, or resin or a combination of these. This is done meticulously as the whole root canal up to the apex has to be completely filled.

Advantages: Root treatments prevent and relieve pain and infection resulting in saving the tooth simply and effectively.

Disadvantages: The procedure can be time-consuming, especially where there is a persistent infection. The procedure may be initially painful, but usually passes quickly and is easily managed. There may be postoperative pain that may last for a short time. After treatment, the tooth may darken or discolour slightly. Root treated teeth become brittle and may fracture or break, so it is recommended that these teeth are crowned once the root treatment settles down.

Endodontics is time-consuming and fairly expensive. Complex cases are often referred to a specialist endodontist. Once endodontic treatment is started, the patient must complete the treatment or the tooth may become abscessed.