An endodontist specializes in root canal treatment. Dental decay that is neglected often spreads deep inside the tooth and reaches the pulp tissue in the core of the tooth. The endodontist specializes in removing infected and inflamed pulp and filling the area left after its removal.
Why does a tooth require root canal treatment
(R.C.T.)?
Basically tooth is made of three layers, outer strong and hard enamel,
intermediate tough dentin and inner soft pulp that contains the nerve
ending, blood vessels and others cells which maintain the vitality of
the tooth. When dental decay is allowed to progress, it results in a
deep cavity that may reach the pulp thereby exposing the pulp to the
exterior. Exposure of the pulp may also occur due to erosion or trauma
like fracture of the tooth. Whenever the pulp is exposed to the exterior,
it develops inflammation and infection. A tooth that has its pulp exposed
by decay, trauma, etc has two treatment options; extraction of the tooth
or retain the tooth by undertaking a root canal treatment. Such an endodontically
treated tooth can function normally in mouth. If untreated the tooth
develops pain, swelling, etc, and the infection can spread deeper into
the bone
What is rubber dam and why is it used?
Rubber dam is a device that is used to isolate a single tooth or a group
of teeth from the rest of the oral cavity in order to keep the tooth
being treated away from saliva and also to increase visibility. In addition
the rubber dam prevents accidental swallowing of delicate instruments,
solutions, etc. It is used in filling procedures and is a must in root
canal treatment.
What do you mean by nerve removal treatment
of the tooth?
Once decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, it gets infected and the tooth
has to undergo root canal treatment. It involves complete removal of
the pulp, cleansing and filling with inert material. Since pulp contains
few nerve endings which are removed, it is commonly referred to as nerve
removal treatment.
Do root canal treated teeth fracture?
No, a tooth with minimal destruction that is well restored does not
fracture in normal usage. However, a grossly destroyed tooth may fracture
if it is not protected by a metal crown. 6.Can decay occur on root canal
treated teeth? Root canal treated teeth are not immune to decay; hence,
proper brushing and oral hygiene maintenance is necessary to keep decay
away.
Can decay occur on root canal treated teeth?
Root canal treated teeth are not immune to decay; hence, proper brushing
and oral hygiene maintenance is necessary to keep decay away.
Is it true that a root canal treated tooth
does not have any sensation or pain?
As the nerve supply to the tooth is removed the tooth does not respond
to heat, cold, etc, like other normal teeth but continues to function
like other teeth in the mouth.
Can a tooth with an abscess or infection that
has spread beyond the root be saved by R.C.T.?
Once the pulp gets infected and adequate treatment is not carried out
there is a chance that the infection may spread to the underlying bone.
In such cases the infection forms an abscess in the bone which is nothing
but collection of pus. Such an abscessed tooth can be saved by antibiotic
therapy followed by root canal treatment. However, these patients required
to be followed up regularly by X rays and clinical check up until complete
healing take place.
Is there an age limit for R.C.T.?
A tooth that is completely developed can be treated by routine root
canal treatment. However in young children the roots of the teeth are
still developing. In such children it may be required to first undertake
treatment to develop the root or close its wide open end and then complete
the root canal treatment.
Can root canal treatment be performed in milk
teeth?
Yes it is done on primary teeth when the decay involves the pulp.
How many visits does it take to complete root
canal treatment?
Depending on the involved tooth and infection status it may take multiple
visits or can be completed in a single sitting.
What is tooth reimplantation?
A tooth that cannot be endodontically treated in the mouth is removed
and then the root canal treatment is performed outside the mouth. Soon
after the completion of the root canal treatment the tooth is put back
in its place. Such a procedure is known as reimplantation. This procedure
is done only in exceptional cases, as the long-term survival of the
tooth is uncertain.
Can a tooth have infections of both the pulp
and gums?
Yes, sometimes infection of gums can lead to pulp infection and vice
versa. In such cases first the RCT is performed and later gums are treated
by the specialist
Can a tooth be put in the place of another
tooth?
Yes it is possible in selected cases. A tooth can be placed in the socket
of another tooth and such a procedure is known as transplantation.
Can any dentist do endodontic treatment?
As it is a specialized procedure it is better that an endodontist performs
the procedure.
