Root canal treatment, or endodontic treatment, is treatment of the inside of the tooth. It is called endodontic treatment because "endo" is Greek for "inside." The inside of the tooth is made up of three layers. The outer layer is the enamel. Beneath that is a hard layer called dentin. Underneath that is an area of soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp is formed in "canals" inside the tooth, hence the term "root canal." This pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that create the other parts of the tooth during its formation. But once a tooth is fully formed it can survive without the pulp. When a tooth's pulp becomes infected, inflamed or damaged, root canal treatment can be a highly effective and safe way to preserve the tooth.
Root canal treatment is the process of removing infected or injured pulp from inside the tooth. The doctor will clean the pulp out of the canal, then disinfect, shape, and fill the canal with a dental material called gutta percha. The opening of the tooth is then sealed with either a temporary or permanent filling to prevent future infection.
With advancements in diagnosis, technology and treatment techniques, root canal treatment is now no more difficult or uncomfortable than most routine dental procedures. At Blackstone Endodontics, Dr. Shnaydman uses state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered approach to deliver high-quality results in a low-stress environment.
There are many different kinds of cracked teeth, ranging from a fractured cusp to a vertical root fracture. These cracks can develop from an injury or just wear and tear. Symptoms of a cracked tooth range from erratic pain when you chew to sudden pain when your tooth is exposed to heat or cold. If you are having any symptoms like these, it’s best to see an endodontist as soon as possible, since the earlier the diagnosis, the better the odds of saving the tooth.
Dr. Shnaydman can help save your cracked tooth depending on the type of crack, its location, and how far the crack has traveled. If Dr. Shnaydman sees that the crack extends into the pulp, she may recommend that the tooth undergo root canal treatment and a crown placed on the tooth to protect the crack from spreading. If treatable, most cracked teeth that are repaired by root canal treatment continue to function as they should.
Traumatic dental injuries can occur as a result of some kind of accident such as a sports injury. Sometimes, your tooth can become dislodged or even be knocked out completely. Treatment for an injured tooth depends on many factors, but regardless of the extent of the injury, your tooth will need immediate attention. Endodontists like Dr. Shnaydman specialize in treating traumatic dental injuries.
When the pulp is exposed or damaged, root canal treatment may be needed. In another example, if your tooth has been pushed sideways, out of or into its socket, your dentist or Dr. Shnaydman will reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment will then usually be needed after several days following the injury.
Sometimes a tooth that has received endodontic treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to exist. If so, endodontic retreatment may be necessary.
In the course of retreatment, Dr. Shnaydman will re-open the tooth to gain access to the root filling material and remove it. Then she will clean the canals, fill and seal them, and place a temporary restoration.