What Is Endodontic Treatment?
Has your dentist or endodontist told you that you need root canal treatment? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal or endodontic treatment. This page explains root canal treatment in detail and how it can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
What is endodontic treatment?
Why would I need an endodontic procedure?
What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
Step-by-step endodontic treatment
How much will the procedure cost?
Will the tooth need specific care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment?
What causes an endodontic-treated tooth to need additional treatment?
Can all teeth be treated endodontically?
Endodontic Retreatment Explained
With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn’t heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, you have a second chance. An additional procedure may be able to support healing and save your tooth. If you have pain or discomfort in a previously treated tooth, talk to an endodontist about retreatment.
Why do I need another endodontic procedure?
As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:
In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example:
What will happen during treatment?
Is treatment the best choice for me?
How much will the procedure cost?
What are the alternatives to treatment?
What are the alternatives to endodontic treatment and/or endodontic surgery?