Endodontics involves the treatment of the tooth pulp containing the nerve of the tooth and the tissues which surround the root of the tooth. The pulp may become diseased or injured and is unable to repair itself. The pulp then dies and the tooth requires root canal therapy. A common reason for root canal therapy is an infected or abscessed tooth, which may result from a deep cavity, periodontal disease, or even a fractured tooth. Sometimes, trauma, like a sharp blow to the mouth can result in damage to the pulp of the tooth. Symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold or discomfort on touching your tooth may be present.
Root canal therapy removes the diseased pulp tissue, which is composed of a nerve and blood supply within the tooth. After all the material has been removed from within the root, the canal or canals if it is a multi-rooted tooth, are sterilized and sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from reentering.
Because a root canal removes everything, which feeds the tooth and keeps it alive the tooth will become very brittle after a period of time. This time period varies from person to person. It is for that reason that the tooth should be restored as quickly as possible and your dentist might recommend that a post and a crown be placed as a final restoration. Back teeth are usually crowned shortly after a root canal has been performed to prevent the tooth from shattering due to the pressure put on it by chewing.
Root canal work is not uncomfortable, and in some instances can be performed in one visit. The discomfort associated with root canal therapy is normally due to the infection and should subside once treatment commences.
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