Endodontics 101: Everything You Need to Know

Endodontics 101: Everything You Need to Know

Sep 01, 2020

When you have decay or an injured pulp that has not affected the roots to warrant a tooth extraction Baltimore, the dentist may recommend endodontic treatment. Endodontics is a dental service that focuses on diagnosing and treating the teeth (pulp cavity). Root canal therapy is a commonly done endodontic procedure.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp, stopping the infection’s spread, and saving your teeth. When you undergo this endodontic treatment, the infected pulp is removed, and the inside is cleaned. Root canal treatment will save you from a tooth extraction.

The endodontist may recommend a root canal if you have a cracked tooth due to an injury, deep cavity, or dental filling problems.
What Does the Root Canal Procedure Involve? 

A modern root canal is fast and usually completed in one or two dental appointments depending on its severity. The procedure is painless, and it involves a few steps:

  • Dental examination and assessment. Our endodontist in Baltimore, MD, will examine your teeth using x-rays to check the infection and the surrounding tissues’ condition.
  • Your gums are numbed to ease the discomfort. Next, the dentist will use a small protective sheet to keep the affected tooth clean and dry.
  • The dentist cleans the pulp chamber and reshapes them for a filling.
  • The root canal is filled with gutta-percha, which is biocompatible (gum-friendly), and it is sealed with adhesive cement.
  • The pulp chamber is closed using temporary tooth filling.
  • On your final visit, the pediatric dentist Baltimore will replace the filling with a permanent crown.

If you lack sufficient bone structure to hold the crown in place, our dentist in Canton will use a post or implant to hole the teeth.

What To Expect the Root Canal Therapy?

As the numbing medication wears off, you will begin to experience pain and discomfort. Also, there may be tooth sensitivity for the first few days. You can ease the discomfort with pain relievers and also following the dentist’s instructions.

What Happens if a Root Canal Treatment Fails?

After a root canal treatment, your saved teeth will last for a lifetime, in most cases. However, not every case is like that. Sometimes, the treatment may fail, and the infection can resurface. If this happens, visit an endodontist near you for a reassessment. The dentist will assess the canal and possibly recommend any of the following treatments:

  • Endodontic retreatment

The treatment involves reopening the teeth and removing the root canals chamber’s materials in the first procedure. The endodontist will examine the teeth and look for additional canals or new infections.

Next, the infection is removed, the canal is cleaned and reshaped. New fillings are used, and the opening sealed. After the area heals, the permanent crown is used to restore the teeth’ function and protect it from damage.

  • Endodontic Surgery

An endodontist specialist near you performs the surgery to locate hidden canals that go undetected using an x-ray. The endodontist may also perform the surgery to remove calcium deposits in root canals.

  • Dental implant

If, after the root canal, the infection persists and damages your teeth, our dentist in Baltimore, MD, may recommend a tooth extraction.

Removing the damaged teeth will leave unsightly gaps between the teeth, and a dental implant may be the solution. Remember, leaving these gaps unfilled it may cause bone loss. But, a dental implant can help preserve your jawbone and restore your appearance. Dental implants are metal posts fixed on the jawbone.

Could you speak to our dentist on endodontics Vs? Implants and when are they recommended.

Take Away 

Root canals infections are caused by bacteria brought about by poor hygiene. Not cleaning your teeth can cause bacteria to fester. However, if you already have an infected pulp, there is treatment. You don’t have to remove your permanent teeth just yet. Visit Canton Crossing Dental for more information on how our endodontic treatment in Canton can help you. Our endodontist will assess your oral health and recommend the ideal endodontic treatment.

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