abscessEndontontics is a dental specialty concerned with the pulp, tissues and nerves inside the teeth.

If the nerve or pulp within your tooth becomes infected, successful endodontic (root canal) treatment can keep you from losing the tooth while treating the infection before it causes health complications.

Properly performed, a root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled, though the procedure is more complex. It is the removal of infected or dead pulp (the inner nerves and blood vessels) from inside the tooth, and the filling and sealing of the resulting space.

root canal treatmentAn infected (abscessed) tooth causes discomfort in the form of swelling and toothache. It can also cause severe health complications, because the bacteria from the infection can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.

One way to treat the infection is to remove the tooth and disinfect the area. However, tooth loss creates a gap between surrounding teeth that often necessitates a dental implant or bridge. It is preferable to save the tooth if possible through root canal (endodontic) treatment.

The dentist or endodontist (A specialist in this field of dentistry) begins by applying local anesthesia and isolating the area with a rubber dam. Then they drill an opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp, and remove it and clean the area with specialized tools. The dentist fills the root space with a filling material. Finally the dentist must seal the surface of the tooth with a crown to prevent further infection and restore the function and appearance of the tooth.

The root canal treatment is typically performed in one or two visits. Another one or two visits may be required to complete the crown restoration.

root canal xray