Transcript ENDODONTICS - powerpoint world

Saving Your Tooth
Through Endodontic
(Root Canal) Treatment
A healthy tooth consists
of a crown...
Crown
...and a root.
Crown
Root
Under the hard layers of
enamel and dentin...
Enamel
Dentin
is soft tissue called pulp.
Enamel
Pulp Tissue
Dentin
The pulp creates
dentin during
development.
After the tooth is mature, it can
survive without the pulp
because the tooth will continue
to be nourished by
surrounding tissues.
When a tooth is damaged
through injury or decay...
Decay
…the pulp can
become damaged.
Decay
Damaged
Pulp
If left untreated,
an abscess can form.
Decay
Damaged
Pulp
Abscess
How do you know if the pulp of
your tooth is damaged?
Signs of damaged pulp:
 Pain
 Prolonged
sensitivity to heat,
cold or biting
 Discoloration of the tooth
 Swelling and tenderness in
the gums
Sometimes there are
no symptoms.
But endodontic problems are often
evident on an x-ray...
…so it’s important to see
your general dentist
at least twice a year.
If you are experiencing symptoms,
it is important to see your dentist.
When you visit your general
dentist or endodontist, the
following steps may be taken:
Preparation for Treatment
 Tooth
examined
 X-rays taken
 Anesthetic given
 Dental dam placed
A dental dam is a small sheet
of rubber that surrounds
the tooth.
It will isolate your tooth and keep
it clean during the procedure.
Once your tooth
is completely numb...
...your endodontist will make
an opening in the crown...
Access
Opening
...and gently clean the pulp
from the pulp chamber...
Access
Opening
Cleaned and Shaped
Pulp Chamber
...and root canals.
Access
Opening
Cleaned and Shaped
Pulp Chamber
and Root Canal
Once the root canals are
cleaned and shaped...
…your endodontist will
fill the canals...
Filled
Root Canals
…with a rubber-like material
called gutta-percha.
Filled
Root Canals
Your endodontist may then
place a temporary filling.
Temporary
Filling
Filled
Root Canals
This filling is meant to last for
just a short period...
Temporary
Filling
Filled
Root Canals
...most likely a few days
to a few weeks.
Temporary
Filling
Filled
Root Canals
Shortly after your
initial treatment,
you will need to return
to your general dentist,
who will place a
final restoration.
In some cases...
...a large filling, called a core
build up, may be necessary.
Core
build up
Gutta-percha
Filled
Root Canals
If your tooth lacks sufficient
structure to hold this filling...
Core
build up
Filled
Root Canals
…a post may also be placed
inside the tooth.
Core
build up
Post
Gutta-percha
Filled
Root Canals
Post
The purpose
of the post is
to help retain
the core
build up.
At this time, a crown or other
restoration will be placed.
Final
Restoration
Gutta-percha
Until the final
restoration is
placed, your tooth
will be susceptible
to fracture...
…so be sure to
have the final
restoration placed
in a timely manner.
Your tooth may remain
sensitive for a few days
following treatment.
Over-the-counter or prescription
medications should relieve
this discomfort.
If pain is severe
or swelling occurs,
call your endodontist.
Brushing,
flossing and
regular
checkups and
cleanings are
still important.
Like any other tooth,
your endodontically treated
tooth can decay again.
Your endodontist may schedule
a follow-up exam to evaluate
the healing process.
While it is usually best to save a
natural tooth, it is sometimes
necessary to extract, or remove,
the tooth instead.
Extraction is indicated when:
 The
tooth is severely
damaged
 Bone structure is not
adequate to support the
treatment
When a tooth is extracted,
it is usually replaced with a
bridge or implant.
While these replacements can be
successful, nothing is as good as
your natural tooth.
Your teeth are important...
…esthetically….
…and functionally.
Tooth replacements can
be effective...
…however, it has been found
that people with implants or
other replacements may avoid
some types of foods...
...while people with their
natural teeth continue to eat a
wide variety of foods.
It is also important to
remember that extraction of
the tooth and replacement
with a bridge or implant
can be more costly than
endodontic treatment.
Some people avoid endodontic
treatment for fear that a
treated tooth may turn dark.
In most cases,
this does not happen.
But in situations where it does
happen, the tooth can usually
be bleached to an acceptable
color with a simple procedure.
In summary,
endodontic treatment:
 Relieves
pain
 Saves teeth
 Is cost effective
If you have any questions,
please ask your general
dentist or endodontist.
And remember...
…with proper care...
Endodontically treated
teeth can last a lifetime!
The End