"Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is Greek for "tooth." Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth's growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
- When Endodontic Treatment or Root Canal Therapy Is Needed
- Saving a Tooth with Endodontic Treatment
- Endodontic Procedure Described
- What to Expect for Pain or Discomfort During or After the Procedure
- What to Do to Relieve Discomfort After the Endodontic Procedure
- FAQ's About The Endodontic Treatment
When Endodontic Treatment or Root Canal Therapy Is Needed
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.
Saving a Tooth with Endodontic Treatment
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
What to Expect for Pain or Discomfort During or After the Procedure
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. In most cases, this discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontist's instructions carefully.
Your tooth will feel sensitive to biting pressure. This feeling is a result of the nerve endings in the tissue outside the end of the root where it was cleaned, irrigated and a filler or sealer material was placed.
Also, you might feel a rough area where access was made by your Endodontist. There is a soft, temporary material in that area, which may appear to wear away to some degree before your next dental visit.
What to Do to Relieve Discomfort After the Endodontic Procedure
Taking pain relief medication within one hour of leaving our office is recommended. Take all medication as prescribed by your doctor. If none was prescribed, standard over the counter pain relief medication should aid in any discomfort. Aspirin products are NOT advisable as they tend to increase bleeding from the treated area. Please take pain medications with soft food unless otherwise advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid chewing on your treated tooth, especially gum, candies, sticky or crunchy foods until the tooth has been restored with the crown or inlay as this could dislodge the temporary material and fracture the tooth.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your Endodontist.
Parts of this content are provided courtesy of the American Association of Endodontics, Copyright 1996. For more information, please link to their website at http://www.aae.org/