What is pulp?
A pulp or pulp chamber is a soft tissue inside a tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The nerve is located in the root of the tooth. The root canals pass from the tip of the tooth root into the pulp chamber.
Pulp is important for the health, nutrition, and functioning of the tooth. After endodontic treatment, the tooth becomes less viable and more fragile if few hard tissues are preserved.
Why is the pulp removed?
When the pulp is damaged, it collapses, and bacteria begin to multiply inside the pulp chamber. Bacteria and other remnants of the dying pulp can cause infection or abscess of the tooth. An abscess is a pocket filled with pus that forms in the inside of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection of the root canal of the tooth can cause:
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Swelling that can spread to the face, neck, or head area.
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Loss of bone mass, and then a tooth.
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A sharp, aching pain.
How do I know it's time to see a doctor?
Signs that you may need canal treatment include:
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Constant or episodic pain when chewing.
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Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
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Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.
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Swelling or redness of the gums.
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The appearance of a fistula.
You may not have symptoms from the list at an early stage of tooth disease. To prevent pulpitis, undergo regular dental checkups at Olympus Clinics every six months. We have specialists who will conduct a thorough examination, identify any dental problems, and prescribe effective and painless treatment. You will also learn how to take care of the oral cavity in order to maintain an aesthetic and healthy smile for many years to come.
Stages of root canal treatment in Olympus Clinics
How is the canal treatment at Olympus Clinics? First, you will have an X-ray of your teeth to check the extent of the damage. The procedure in Olympus Clinics is performed using a local anesthetic so that the patient does not feel pain. For anxious patients, the procedure can be performed under sedation.
After anesthesia, the tooth is isolated with a latex handkerchief (cofferdam) to keep the tooth clean, free of saliva. Caries is removed and a hole is made through the crown to access the pulp chamber. The infected or damaged pulp is then removed.
After thorough cleaning of the tooth and root from infected tissues, a filling is performed. Treatment may require two visits to the dentist. At the first visit, the patient's root canals are filled with drug-based calcium hydroxide and a temporary seal is installed. During the second visit, dentists seal the root canals hermetically and install a permanent seal.
If the destruction of the soft tissues of the tooth is significant, then our dentists recommend installing a crown to protect against possible chips, cracks, and restore the aesthetics of a smile. Crowns look natural, our dentists choose the color of the non-removable prosthesis together with the patient. Also, the functionality of artificial crowns does not differ from teeth. Therefore, you will not feel discomfort in the oral cavity and will eat, smile and talk without hesitation.