"Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is Greek for "tooth".  Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.

To understand endodontic treatment, or root canal treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth.  Inside the tooth under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp.  The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.  Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected for a variety of reasons.  After a diagnostic evaluation is done by the endodontist which may include x-rays and if treatment is indicated, a local anesthetic is given and the inflamed or infected pulp is removed.  The inside of the tooth is cleaned, shaped and filled to seal the space.  A temporary filling will be placed in the biting surface which will be replaced with a permanent restoration by the general dentist.

Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection.  With the modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

For the first few days following treatment the tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection present before the procedure.  Over the counter medications can usually relieve this discomfort, however, the endodontist may prescribe other medications if indicated.

If the tooth was badly infected or inflamed at the initial appointment, a second appointment to complete treatment may be necessary.  We also may need to schedule x-ray check appointments in three or six months to check healing in the bone following some, but not all, endodontic procedures.

We recommend a full coverage crown for all endodontically treated posterior teeth.