South Orange dentist, Dentist in South Orange, NJ

Endodontics - Root Canal

Endodontics is the science of treating problems with the tissue inside the tooth. That tissue is commonly called the nerve or pulp. The nerve is what forms the tooth. Once the tooth is formed the nerve has completed its function. It remains in the tooth unless it is disturbed by trauma, decay, or periodontal disease. The endodontist removes the remnants of the nerve and cleans out the space where the nerve was. Then a root canal filling is placed in that space.

Endodontists Root Canal Therapists

Endodontists are dentists with special training in diagnosing and treating oral and facial pain, and problems associated with the inside of the tooth. . Most patients who have had a root canal performed by an endodontist describe the procedure as virtually painless.

Signs/Symptoms

-Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.

-Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth

-Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth

-Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night

-A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood

-Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another

The Process

The first step of the procedure is to anesthetize the effected area. The next step is to open an access point through the top or biting surface of the tooth. The doctor will then determine a working length of each canal. A tooth can have one or more canals. Each canal is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is filled with an inert material called gutta percha. The opening is sealed with a temporary filling. This entire procedure is often completed in one to two visits.

The patient is now ready to return to their general dentist for a restoration, which is usually a crown. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

http://www.aae.org/patients/patientinfo/faqs/rootcanals.htm