Root Canal
Chances are that you or a family member have been told that a root canal is
necessary to save a tooth. Or perhaps root canal therapy is already
underway. In either case, it's important that you understand what will
happen during root canal treatment and why this procedure is necessary to save
the tooth.
 What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (pulp) of the
tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to
be removed. In 95 percent of these cases today, however, this is no longer true.
We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing them) and we will make every
effort to save yours! Why Do I Need A Root Canal?
There are several reasons. The most common are:
- Trauma - a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in
the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
- Physical irritation - deep decay or a very large filling.
Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and an
abscess (infection) occurs. Bacteria from your saliva grow within the
tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain. In some cases the face may
swell. Eventually the pulp dies, causing the bone around the tooth to
be destroyed.
What's Going to Happen?
Once it has been determined (with X-rays and clinical examination) that
root canal treatment is necessary, you will be scheduled for one or more
appointments. It's important that you keep these appointments, in
order to prevent delays in treatment and healing. It's also essential
that you take all antibiotics and medications prescribed, to hasten healing
and reduce swelling. Should you experience pain that cannot be
controlled with the prescribed medication (this is unusual, but a
precaution) call our office immediately.
Here's how your tooth can be saved with endodontic treatment.
- First, the tooth may be isolated with a piece of rubber dam. This
confines the treatment area and protects the mouth from bacteria and
chemical agents. An opening is made through the crown into the pulp.
(Your tooth may be numbed prior to this procedure.)
- We then carefully remove the diseased pulp. The
root canal area inside your tooth is cleaned, enlarged and
shaped. Then, depending on your individual case, the
root canal(s) and pulp chamber may be permanently filled and
sealed. In some cases, however, we place a temporary
medication in the tooth to control bacterial growth and
reduce infection.
- A temporary filling is placed in the opening of the tooth until the
next visit. In some cases, however, the tooth may be left
open. This allows the infection to drain.
- At the next appointment we sterilize the inside of the tooth, to remove the
bacteria. Throughout the root canal procedure we take X-rays to ensure
that all of the infected pulp is removed and that the walls inside the canal
are smooth.
- The root canal and pulp chamber are permanently
filled and sealed.
- Finally, the tooth is fully restored to chewing function.
This may include a crown to reinforce the treated tooth.
Care Following Treatment
Once the root canal treatment has been completed, you should be aware of
the following considerations:
- Discoloration - You may notice that your endodontically
treated tooth (particularly a front tooth) has undergone a
change in color. While this is of no great medical
concern, you may be interested in having the tooth bleached.
Be sure to ask us about tooth bleaching;
- Brittleness - A non-vital (endodontically treated) tooth is
more brittle than a vital one, and is more susceptible to
fracture. Therefore, we recommend that your root canal
tooth be crowned (capped) following treatment. Ask us if
you are considering having this done.
If You Have Further Questions
Throughout your root canal treatment you may have questions or concerns
not covered in this pamphlet. We will make every effort to ensure your
comfort during root canal treatment. And we're happy to answer
any questions you may have. Our concern is your comfort and
confidence. Our goal is to help preserve your natural teeth for a
lifetime.
We believe in saving teeth (instead of removing them) and we will
make every effort to save yours! |
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