CDC Fact Sheet - Endodontics

Endodontics
Endodontic means within the tooth. It is the treatment of the canal or pulp chamber that lies in the middle of the tooth and its root. When completed, the treated teeth generally act and feel just like your other teeth and have an excellent chance of remaining in your mouth for as long as your other teeth. Treatment Explanation - Root canal therapy is accomplished by using local anaesthetic injection to numb the tooth involved. Then access is gained to the pulp chamber (canal) in the middle of your tooth by drilling some small holes in the tooth. Delicate files are then used to smooth and shape the canal to make sure no tissue remains which could later become infected. The canal will be sterilized with medications and the canals completely filled with an inert material to prevent bacteria and fluids from getting inside the tooth. Treatment Time - The treatment time would involve several visits over a few weeks to complete. Predicted Life span - The treated tooth will have an excellent chance of remaining in your mouth for as long the other teeth. Advantages - This therapy is very safe and effective. Root canaled teeth will generally function and feel just like your other teeth and have an excellent chance of remaining in your moth for as long as your other teeth. Disadvantages - Once the tooth has been filled it tends to be more brittle than a tooth that still has its internal nerve and blood supply. A cast (laboratory fabricated) restoration may be required to protect your tooth.

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