Endodontics and Procedures
Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)
Endodontics is the treatment of infected or damaged tooth pulp. Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the soft inner tissue (the pulp) of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay or an injury to the tooth. Endodontic treatment removes the damaged pulp. The tooth's canals are then cleaned and filled to help preserve the tooth.
In some cases, treatment alone is not enough to save the tooth and surgery may be necessary.
Course of Treatment
Treatment of teeth with injured pulp begins with a diagnostic examination. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and filled. Endodontic treatment may require one or more visits depending on the complexity of the case. The prognosis for the overwhelming majority of teeth treated is favorable.
While there is no certainty concerning healing, roughly 90% of cases have successful resultsresults occur in about 90% of cases. On occasion, the chances of success may fall below this expectancy, or your tooth may not be responsive to endodontic treatment. If your tooth falls within one of these latter categories, you will be informed at the time of consultation, or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.
Your comfort throughout all phases of treatment is a major consideration. If a problem arises, either day or night, please contact the office in which you were treated.
Following Endodontic (Root Canal) Surgery
Learn about what you can expect following endodontic surgery. This section informs patients on what to expect, and when they should be concerned with the after-effects of this procedure. Click here for more information.