ENDODONTICS

ROOT CANAL

When the pulp (nerve) of a tooth becomes infected or dies, a root canal therapy is needed to save the tooth. The tooth pulp is a soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels located in the pulp chamber, which extends from the middle of the tooth down through the roots.

Infection occurs and allows bacteria to travel through the enamel and dentin layers and into the pulp. The pulp can die or become infected due to a fracture or a blow to the tooth as well.

The process of root canal therapy involves going inside the pulp of the tooth and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is cleaned and disinfected and sealed with a special dental material. After the root canal is completed, a crown is often needed to prevent the tooth from fracturing. Due to the advancement in the dental field today root canal treatments are much more comfortable and can be completed faster.

APICOECTOMY (ENDODONTIC SURGERY)

An Apicoectomy is performed after an unsuccessful root canal. When an infection will not go away or returns after a root canal has been performed this procedure is usually necessary. There are many nerves that may contain the infected tissue, so it is difficult to ensure that all of the infection is removed during a root canal. During an Apicoectomy, the tip of the root of the tooth is removed and replaced with a filling.

ENDO MICROSCOPE

The use of the Endo Microscope allows a doctor to perform procedures with greater accuracy because the treatment area is magnified. The microscope’s superior illumination and magnification has made the greatest impact on visualization of the area, evaluation of surgical technique and use of fewer x-rays. 

RETREATMENT

With proper care, most teeth that have had endodontic (root canal) treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. However, some cases, a tooth that has received endodontic treatment fails to heal. Occasionally, the tooth becomes painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment.

Why do I need retreatment?

As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:

• Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure.
• Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.
• The placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment.
• The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth.
• In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated.