What is non-surgical endodontic treatment?
This is a method of treating the inside of the tooth, also known as a root canal treatment. It is one of the most common dental procedures that can be performed to prevent tooth loss.
To help you understand endodontic treatment, we would like to familiarize you with the anatomy of your tooth. Inside your tooth, under the white tooth enamel and the hard layer of tooth, called dentin, is a soft tissue known as the pulp. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue which help to create the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.
The pulp can be found in the center of the tooth and can extend all the way to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp has a very important role during a tooth’s development. However, a tooth that has reached full maturity can survive without the pulp, because it continues to receive nourishment by the surrounding tissues.
Why do I need endodontic treatment?
If the soft tissue inside the root canal of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, then a root canal treatment is necessary. There can be a variety of factors that cause the inflammation or infection such as: repeated dental procedures on the tooth, deep decay, crack s or chips in tooth.
What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
Indication signs to look for include pain, tenderness to touch and chewing, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling of the surrounding tissue, and drainage. Symptoms may not always be present.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, a channel inside the root, 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 functions. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontic's instructions carefully. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your teeth for some
time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.
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Root Canal treatment Procedure
 | 1. A Deep Infection
Root canal treatment is needed when an injury or a large cavity
hurt the tooth's root.The root becomes infected or inflamed. |  | 2. A Route to the Root
The dentist numbs the tooth.
An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to
the pulp chamber. |  | 3. Removing the Infected/Inflamed Tissue
Special files are used to clean the infection and
unhealthy pulp out of the canals.
Then they shape the canals for the filling material.
Irrigation is used to help clean the canals
and remove debris. |  | 4. Filling the Canals
The canals are filled with a permanent material.
Typically this is done with a material known
as gutta-percha. This helps to keep the canals free
of infection or contamination. |  | 5. Rebuilding the Tooth
A temporary filling material is placed on top of the gutta-percha
to seal the opening. The filling remains until the tooth receives a
permanent filling or a crown. A crown, sometimes called a cap,
looks like a natural tooth. It is placed over the top of the tooth. |  | 6. Extra Support
In some cases, a post is placed into the root next to the
gutta-percha.
This gives the crown more support. | 
| 7. The Crowning Touch
The crown is cemented into place.
How much will the procedure cost?
The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is
and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to
treat, the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance policies
provide some coverage for endodontic treatment.
Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the
natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of
having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be
replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing
function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.These
procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment
and appropriate restoration.
With root canal treatment you save your natural teeth
and money.
Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment
after endodontic treatment?
You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you
have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth
is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for
a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only
practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing,
and regular checkups and cleanings.
Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other
natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone
endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues.
Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased
months or even years after successful treatment. Often
when this occurs, redoing theendodontic procedure can
save the tooth.
What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need
additional treatment?
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken
filling can cause new infection in your tooth.
In some cases, the endodontist may discover additional
very narrow or curved canals that could not
be treated during the initial procedure.
Can all teeth be treated endodontically?
Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be
saved because the root canals are not accessible,
the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have
adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored.
However, advances in endodontics are making it possible
to save teeth that even a few years ago would have
been lost.When endodontic treatment is not effective,
endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.
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