| ROOT
CANAL TREATMENT
If
your tooth's nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, or
damaged by trauma, root canal treatment is often
the only way to save your tooth.
Inside the hard outer shell of each tooth is a specialized
area called the pulp or nerve chamber. The pulp chamber
contains a system of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves,
the pulp, which enter from the bone through the root canals.
This system provides nourishment for the cells within the
tooth.
Deep tooth decay or other injury can cause damage to or
infection of the tooth pulp. In a root canal or endodontic
treatment, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp
and replaces it with a special filler which helps maintain
the remaining tooth structure.
Some
indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:
- Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess
(infection) in the bone.
Be sure to follow the special home care instructions
provided by your dental professional.
|
Step
1
After the tooth is anesthetized, an opening is
made through the crown into the pulp chamber. |
|
Step
2
The length of the root canals is determined. |
|
Step
3
Unhealthy pulp is removed. Canals are cleaned,
enlarged and shaped. |
|
Step
4
Canals are filled and sealed. A metal post may
be added for structural support or to retain restorative
materials. |
|
Step
5
The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling.
Usually a gold or porcelain crown adds further protection.
|
The
material used to fill your root canal will probably last
you a lifetime, but eventually the filling or crown may
need to be replaced.
25211
Grogan's Mill Road
Suite 290
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 367-0641
|
