An endodontist is a dental specialist that has received additional training in treating disease and infection of the soft inner tissue of teeth; this tissue is called the pulp. Although an endodontist in Hyde Park can perform numerous endodontic treatments the greatest majority of the work is focused on root canal therapy.
What is a root canal?
A tooth is composed of the crown and root; within the root is dentin and within the dentin is the soft pulp tissue. It is the pulp tissue that contains the tooth nerves and blood vessels. In the event, bacteria get an opportunity to enter the tooth due to cracks, a broken filling, or a deep cavity there is a distinct possibility that the tooth will become abscessed. A tooth abscess is an infection of the pulp and when this does happen the only solutions are to extract the tooth or remove the diseased pulp by performing a root canal.
How is a root canal procedure performed?
- The area in the vicinity of the site is first given a local anesthetic; this “freezes” the tissue
- A rubber sheet known as a dental dam is placed around the target tooth, the dam protects the tooth from bacteria which in saliva from getting into the open tooth
- An opening is made in the top or side of the target tooth
- The endodontist uses a series of small “files” to remove the pulp and the infection
- Once the canal has been excised of all infection it is filled and sealed with either a temporary filling or a permanent crown
What else is there to understand?
A typical root canal will take one or two treatments. After the procedure is complete you can expect some tenderness in the area for a week or so. It is not common for the site to swell but if it does contact your endodontist.
Although a root canal cannot protect the tooth from further damage with normal oral care and regular dental visits the tooth should last for many years. For more information visit South Loop Dental Specialists.
