Root Canals (Endodontics)
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is the removal of the tooth's pulp which is a small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. Palm Beach Gardens endodontist Dr. Brion Weinberg will remove the damaged, diseased or dead pulp and clean, shape or fill the remaining. This procedure seals off the root canal. Years ago, teeth with damaged or diseased pulps were removed. Today, at the Center for Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry near Jupiter, FL, we perform root canals to save many teeth that would otherwise be lost.
The most common causes of pulp damage or death are:
- A deep cavity
- A cracked tooth
- An injury to a tooth, such as severe trauma to the tooth, either recent or in the past
If the pulp becomes infected–or worse, dead–and is left untreated, pus can build up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. An abscess can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause severe pain.
How Are Root Canals Performed?
Depending on the situation we can take several steps for root canal treatment. These steps are:
- First, an opening is made through the back of a front tooth or the crown of a molar or pre-molar.
- After the diseased pulp is removed (know as a pulpectomy), the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation for being filled.
- If more than one visit is necessary, a temporary filling is placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits.
- The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal are permanently filled. A tapered, rubbery material called gutta-percha is inserted into each of the root canals and is often sealed into place with cement. In certain cases a metal or plastic rod is placed in the root canal for structural support.
- In the final step, a dental crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance. If the tooth is broken down to a great extent, a post may be required to build it up prior to placing the dental crown.
How Long Will the Restored Tooth Last?
After endodontics, your treated and restored tooth/teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. Good oral hygiene and frequent dentist visits are necessary because tooth decay can still occur in treated teeth. There is no longer a pulp keeping the tooth alive, so root-treated teeth can become brittle and prone to fracture. Dr. Weinberg will take this into consideration when deciding whether to crown or fill a tooth after root canal treatment. Dr. Weinberg compares the new X-rays with those taken prior to treatment in order to determine the success level of a root canal treatment. This comparison will show whether bone continues to be lost or is being regenerated.
Endodontics, or root canal treatment, is a great way to save a tooth that would have required removal years ago. In fact, root canals are now the accepted and preferred way to treat teeth with diseased pulp. In the Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens area, Dr. Brion Weinberg performs root canals at The Center for Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry in Juno Beach. Call us today or fill out the form on this page to make an appointment and to learn if a root canal can help your situation. With the proper steps taken after endodontics and with follow-up visits you will be on your way to your new permanent smile.
Dr. Brion Weinberg, D.D.S, PA.: Endodontics / Root Canals Juno Beach FL
