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Endodontic Therapy: What is it and Steps Involved in it.

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What is an endodontic treatment?

Endodontic therapy is also known as root canal therapy. In this treatment, the infected pulp of the tooth is removed to protect it from further microbial attack. When the infected pulp is removed, the tooth is saved from additional infections and deterioration. The root canals and the hollows of the tooth are full of nerve tissues and blood vessels and other cells. These tissues, blood vessels, and cells are called dental pulp.

When is an endodontic therapy suggested?

Endodontic therapy or root canal therapy is suggested when the tooth is severely damaged by tooth decay and can no longer be restored by dental fillings. Sometimes the infection reaches the pulp and roots of the tooth, and the only way of saving the tooth is pulpectomy and root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is also suggested when there is an infection in the pulp of the tooth due to an injury or blow to the tooth.
What is an endodontic treatment?

What are the different preparations done before the root canal treatment?

The dentist takes the X-ray of the patient's teeth to see the extent of the damage. Then the dentist begins the root canal by giving a local anesthetic to the patient and numbing the teeth and gums so that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.

The dentist has to isolate the tooth by placing a rubber dam. It is done to keep the teeth dry and free from germs during the procedure.

What are the different steps of the root canal treatment?

  1. The dentist does the root canal in four steps: The opening of the tooth: The endodontist opens the tooth by drilling the enamel and dentin tissues. It is done with the help of a dental bur fitted on the dental drill. This opening is called the access cavity, and it is made on the chewing surface of back teeth and at the back side of the front teeth. While creating the access point, the dentist also removes the decayed, loose and fragile parts of the tooth. The patient does not feel any pain when the access cavity is created, but he can still feel the sensation of pressure.
  2. Clearing up the root canal: The dentist clears the root canal by removing the infected pulp with the help of small dental instruments. The root canal is then cleaned and reshaped, and the access canal is enlarged to fill. If a dentist has a modern approach to a root canal then he might make use of a microscope to find, examine and treat root canals that may not be visible to naked eye. Dr. Fay Mansouri, an Orange County Root Canal expert, believes that root canal treatment done with the help of microscope are more successful as it provides a magnified view of the root canal and facilitates better cleaning and disinfection of the root canals.


  3. Filling of the root canal: Filling of the root canal is done in two phases. Initially, the doctor packs the disinfected cavity with medicines and gutta-percha and does a temporary filling of sealer paste and rubber compound to give time for healing. The patient may be called for permanent filling after two weeks. The permanent filling is done with adhesive filling to protect the teeth from saliva and germs.
  4. Permanent restoration: As the tooth becomes weak after a decay and has a large filling, a dental crown is required to give it support and strength. A dental crown made of gold, porcelain or metal fused with porcelain can be given to the patient according to his preference. Sometimes a tooth is quite fragile after the drilling, and a metal post is inserted in the tooth to support it. The dental crown is fixed in place, and the root canal therapy is completed.

Read more:> Root Canal Therapy: Guide to a painless treatment

Many endodontists are striving to make the root canal therapy more comfortable for the patients. Many dentists provide sedation to the patient so that they can relax during the procedure. Sedation is specially offered to the patients who have a phobia of dental treatments and to the children who do not cooperate with the doctor. The sedation provided in dental offices are quite safe and facilitates the efficient and secure procedure.

After the tooth has been restored with the help of root canal therapy, it can now look and function like a healthy tooth. The tooth may experience sensitivity for a few days, but it can be managed with the help of over the counter medicines. With proper oral hygiene and care, the tooth can last throughout life.

References:
  1. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endodontic_therapy
  2. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/r/root-canals
  3. http://irvineendodontist.com/
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