Restorative
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Root canal treatment / Endodontics
Why would I need an root canal procedure?
When pulp ( nerve or center) of tooth becomes inflamed of infected due to cavity, fracture in tooth or trauma on tooth and due to inflammation or infection tooth becomes painful , sensitive to hot and cold. Then tooth can be saved by root canal ( endodontic) treatment. In root canal treatment Pulp is remove from center of teeth and canals are cleaned and filled with dental cement and root filling material.
Root Canal Procedure
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
1. Dentist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
2. Dentist makes an opening in the crown portion of the tooth. Very small instruments like files are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling in root canals spaces.
3. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals.
4. After compliting root canal treatment a crown or other restoration needs to be placed on the tooth to protect tooth from fracturing and restore it to full function.
Fracture / Cracked tooth treatment
With their more sophisticated procedures, dentists are helping people keep their teeth longer. people are living more stressful lives, they are exposing their teeth to many more years of crack-inducing habits, such as clenching, grinding, and chewing on hard objects. These habits make our teeth more susceptible to cracks
Do I have a cracked tooth?
Cracked teeth show a variety of symptoms, including pain when chewing, possibly with release of biting pressure, or pain with hot or cold. In many cases, the pain may come and go, and your dentist may have difficulty locating which tooth is causing the discomfort.
Does a cracked tooth hurt?
Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is the inner soft tissue called the pulp. The loose pulp is a connective tissue that contains cells, blood vessels and nerves.
When the outer hard tissues of the tooth are cracked, chewing can cause movement of the pieces, and the pulp can become irritated. When biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in a momentary, sharp pain. Irritation of the dental pulp can be repeated many times by chewing. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged to the point that it can no longer heal itself. The tooth will not only hurt when chewing but may also become sensitive to temperature extremes. In time, a cracked tooth may begin to hurt all by itself. Extensive cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum tissue surrounding the tooth.
How will cracked tooth be treated?
There are many different types of cracked teeth. The treatment and result for your tooth depends on the type, location, and extent of the crack.
Craze Lines
Craze lines are tiny cracks that affect only the outer enamel. These cracks are extremely common in adult teeth. Craze lines are very shallow, cause no pain, and are of no concern beyond appearances.
Fractured Cusp
When a part of tooth becomes weakened, sometimes it fractures . The weakened cusp may break off by itself or may have to be removed by the dentist. When this happens, the pain will usually be relieved. A fractured cusp some times damages the pulp, so root canal treatment is needed in some cases. Your tooth will usually be restored with a full crown or onlay by your dentist.
Actual case
50 years old male came to our office with complain of unable to chew on upper right side said part of tooth seems fractured .
Fractur portion removed and tooth reatored with porcelain onlay restoration.
Tooth is prapered for onlay restoration.
Final Onlay restoration is placed on fractures tooth.
If crack on tooth advances further on root portion of tooth then in some cases tooth becomes non treatable and needs extraction.
How can teeth be prevented from cracking?
While cracked teeth are not completely preventable, you can take some steps to make your teeth less susceptible to cracks.
- Don't chew on hard objects such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels or pens.
- Don't clench or grind your teeth.
- If you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep, talk to your dentist about getting a retainer or other mouthguard to protect your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when playing contact sports.
