Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. If one of your teeth becomes injured or diseased an endodontic treatment may be necessary. This treatment has given dentists a safe way to save your teeth. Years ago, these teeth were removed. An abscessed (infected) tooth can be caused by decay or an injury. An abscess can cause pain and swelling, this infection may develop a "pus-pocket" that if left untreated can cause injury to the bone around the teeth.

Treatment often involves one to two visits. During treatment the diseased pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are cleaned out and sealed. The tooth is filled with a temporary filling.

The final step is a gold or porcelain crown placed over the tooth to give the tooth strength. This crown is done as a final restorative procedure due to the fact that over the years endodontic teeth tend to become brittle because the nerve or life of the tooth has been removed.

Your restored tooth can last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. Regular checkups are necessary. As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy.

For more info, visit the ADA Web Site