Root Canal Treatment (RCT)
If your tooth's nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth.
Inside your tooth's hard outer shell is a nourishing pulp of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves. The root canals, which contain the pulp, extend to the bone. Deep tooth decay, or an injury, can cause serious damage and infection to the pulp's nerves and vessels. Root canal, or endodontic, treatment cleans out the infected pulp chamber ad repairs the damage.
Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:
- Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.
The Procedure
Step 1
After the tooth is anesthetized, an
opening is made through the crown
into the pulp chamber.
Step 2
The length of the root canals
is determined.
Step 3
Unhealthy pulp is removed. Canals
are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
Step 4
Canals are filled and sealed.
A metal post may be added for
structural support or to retain
restorative materials.
Step 5
The tooth is sealed with a temporary
filling. Usually a gold or porcelain
crown adds further protection.
The material used to fill your root canal will probably last you a lifetime, but eventually the filling or crown may need to be replaced.
Be sure to follow the special home care instructions provided by your dental professional.