Who is an Endodontist?

An endodontist specializes in root canal treatment. Dental decay that is neglected often spreads deep inside the tooth and reaches the pulp tissue in the core of the tooth. The endodontist specializes in removing infected and inflamed pulp and filling the area left after its removal.

Why does a tooth require root canal treatment (R.C.T.)?

Basically tooth is made of three layers, outer strong and hard enamel, intermediate tough dentin and inner soft pulp that contains the nerve ending, blood vessels and others cells which maintain the vitality of the tooth. When dental decay is allowed to progress, it results in a deep cavity that may reach the pulp thereby exposing the pulp to the exterior. Exposure of the pulp may also occur due to erosion or trauma like fracture of the tooth. Whenever the pulp is exposed to the exterior, it develops inflammation and infection. A tooth that has its pulp exposed by decay, trauma, etc has two treatment options; extraction of the tooth or retain the tooth by undertaking a root canal treatment. Such an endodontically treated tooth can function normally in mouth. If untreated the tooth develops pain, swelling, etc, and the infection can spread deeper into the bone

What is rubber dam and why is it used?

Rubber dam is a device that is used to isolate a single tooth or a group of teeth from the rest of the oral cavity in order to keep the tooth being treated away from saliva and also to increase visibility. In addition the rubber dam prevents accidental swallowing of delicate instruments, solutions, etc. It is used in filling procedures and is a must in root canal treatment.

What do you mean by nerve removal treatment of the tooth?

Once decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, it gets infected and the tooth has to undergo root canal treatment. It involves complete removal of the pulp, cleansing and filling with inert material. Since pulp contains few nerve endings which are removed, it is commonly referred to as nerve removal treatment.

Do root canal treated teeth fracture?

No, a tooth with minimal destruction that is well restored does not fracture in normal usage. However, a grossly destroyed tooth may fracture if it is not protected by a metal crown. 6.Can decay occur on root canal treated teeth? Root canal treated teeth are not immune to decay; hence, proper brushing and oral hygiene maintenance is necessary to keep decay away.

Can decay occur on root canal treated teeth?

Root canal treated teeth are not immune to decay; hence, proper brushing and oral hygiene maintenance is necessary to keep decay away.