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Root Canal Treatment
When the pulp is diseased or injured, it begins a process of necrosis [dying]. The most common causes of pulp death are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or traumatic injury to the tooth. Bacteria can leak into the pulp, eventually causing it to lose vitality. If not treated, the tooth can become abscessed resulting in pain and swelling.
If the injured pulp is not removed, the tissues around the root can become infected,. Even if there is no pain, the bacteria and the substances they release can cause damage to the bone and jaws. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.
There are several disadvantages to removal of a tooth. When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the adjacent teeth become crooked or crowded. The teeth on either side of the removed tooth space begin to move into the space creating small gaps between themselves and the teeth next to them. This leads to deep cavities from impacted food into these gaps. The teeth above the removed tooth begin to super-erupt down or up into the space. Replacements, like bridges, or implants are usually more expensive than endodontic [root canal] treatment. Any natural tooth is better than the artificial replacements.
Treatment involves the removal of the damaged pulp tissues. The pulp chamber and root canal[s] are then cleaned, shaped, filled and sealed from the surrounding tissues. Often a rod or post may be placed in the root canal to strengthen and support a crown which is usually required after treatment.
Crowns are made from many materials, depending on the requirements for function, esthetics, and strength. A endodonticly treated tooth can still decay, so good oral hygiene is needed to protect this already compromised tooth. |
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