Endodontics
Root canal treatment
Indications
- Pain on chewing
- Pain/sensitivity on consumption of hot/cold foodstuffs
- Continuous toothache
- Pain at night
- Trauma to tooth/teeth resulting in pain
- Swelling associated with tooth/teeth
- Non vital discolored tooth/teeth
Procedure
Root canal treatment consists of removing the decay that has progressed to the innermost aspect of the tooth, called the pulp, involving the nerves and the blood vessels.
The treatment is commenced by obtaining a measure of the canal/canals by means of a dental X-ray. This is followed by thorough cleaning of the canal/canals using an antiseptic to completely remove the infected nerve.
The tooth is then dried and an inert filling material is placed in the canal, which ensures complete removal of pain and infection in most cases. After the canal is filled, a permanent restoration is placed on the tooth.
It is essential to conclude the treatment by placement of a crown to avoid damage to the treated tooth thereby ensuring its longevity.
Post and Core
Indications
- Large portion of tooth’s crown structure lost due to decay
- Crown structure broken due to tooth trauma
Procedure
A post and core is a device that is used when there is inadequate tooth structure remaining to support a filling or a crown.
It consists of two parts –
The post, which is inserted in the root space and holds the core
The core, replaces the missing tooth structure for making a new crown.
Firstly, the root canal treatment of the tooth in question is completed. Post this, some amount of filing material is removed to provide space for insertion of the suitable size, length and diameter post, which provides stability to the tooth structure.
This is followed by placement of a core consisting of composite which basically performs the task of rebuilding the tooth.
Finally a crown is placed which completes the treatment.