Endodontic Treatment (root canals)

When a tooth is failing as a result of trauma or infection a root canal will be necessary. An endodontist is a specialist whom you will be referred to in many cases, especially for a molar tooth. Typically one will know if a tooth is dying; symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity to cold or hot and pain will indicate a dying nerve. Sometimes an infected tooth can be identified radiographically in the absence of symptoms. Once symptoms arise a radiograph is taken of the tooth to diagnose the infection. Once the tooth is confirmed treatment can begin. An antibiotic and pain medicine are prescribed to give the patient immediate relief and then it is determined who should do the treatment. The tooth is numbed and an access hole is drilled through the top of the tooth. Once the canals of the roots are exposed the dying nerve will be removed with small files. When the infection is completely filed out the canals they are filled with an artificial material known as Guttapercha. A temporary filling material is placed in the tooth and the patient waits a few weeks to make sure that symptoms subside. Once the tooth seems stable a more permanent tooth colored filling is placed.