|
Each tooth has its own nervous and vascular system known as
a pulp. For a variety of reasons the pulps of teeth may become
infected with bacteria usually as a result of tooth decay or
injury. Because the pulp is in a confined space its ability
to overcome infection is limited and it is destroyed. Eventually
an abscess forms in the pulp canal and spreads to the surrounding
tissues with consequent pain and swelling.
A course of endodontic treatment for molar teeth usually requires
one two hour appointment. During this appointment the damaged
pulp is removed from the root canal and any abscess that may
have formed is drained, the canal space is thoroughly cleaned.
The root canal is prepared and shaped. Very careful and precise
instrumentation is required at this stage, since some canals
may be a 6/100th of a millimetre in diameter. The canal space
is fitted and sealed and a temporary filling is placed ready
for your dental surgeon to complete the treatment. Occasionally
a second appointment may be required in particularly difficult
cases.
A root filled tooth is still healthy tissue. All that has happened
is that the central blood supply inside the tooth has been removed.
Endodontic treatment simply tries to ensure a balance of health
is maintained and there is no recurrence of infection, while
providing a sound foundation upon which your dentist can restore
the tooth to normal function and appearance. We maintain to have
a 96/98% success rate. Restoration of the tooth may require that
your own dentist eventually places a crown on the root filled
tooth in particular if it is a molar or premolar tooth. |
