ROOT CANAL THERAPY
Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Even if one of your teeth becomes injured or diseased, it often can be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment. This treatment allows Dr. Eckermann to save many teeth that otherwise would be lost.
Q: What is a root canal treatment?
A: Root canal treatment usually involved the removal of the tooth’s pulp, a small, thread-like tissue that was important for tooth development. Once removed, it is replaced with materials that seal off the root canal from bone supporting the tooth’s root.
Q: What is the dental pulp?
A: The pulp is the soft tissue that contains the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues of a tooth. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.
Q: What happens if the pulp gets injured?
A: When the pulp is diseased or injured and can’t repair itself, it dies. The most common causes of pulp death are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or an injury to a tooth. These problems can let bacteria in saliva enter the pulp. The bacteria can then cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess. An abscess can damage or destroy the bone surrounding the teeth. e an infection inside the tooth.
Q: Why does the pulp need to be removed?
A: When the diseased or injured pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain substances released by bacteria can injure the bone that anchors your tooth in the jaw. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.
Q: What does treatment involve?
A: Treatment with Dr. Eckermann involves one to three dental visits. Dr. Eckermann removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canals(s) of the tooth are then cleaned, enlarged and sealed.
Q: How long will the restored tooth last?
A: As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth can remain healthy. Your treated and restored tooth could last a lifetime. However, decay of the tooth could still occur, so good oral hygiene at home and regular dental exams are necessary to help prevent both tooth decay and periodontal disease.
If you have any questions for Dr. Eckermann regarding this procedure, please click "Ask The DR."
