Endodontics

Chances are you or a family member have had a root canal or recently been told that a root canal is necessary to save a tooth. In either case, we think it is important to 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 (endodontic) therapy treats disorders of the nerve (pulp) of the tooth. In the past, a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. However, in 95 percent of these cases today, this is no longer true. We believe in saving teeth, instead of removing them.

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

There are several reasons why you may need a root canal. The most common are:

1. Trauma – a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking by a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
2. Physical irritation - deep decay or a very large filling.

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 your 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/or 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, 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 call our office immediately. This is unusual, but a precaution.

Here’s How Your Tooth Can Be Saved With Endodontic Treatment

An opening is made through the crown into the pulp. (Your tooth may be numbed prior to this procedure.) The diseased pulp is then carefully removed. 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, a temporary medication is placed in the tooth to control bacterial growth and reduce infection.

Most often, a provisional 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, the inside of the tooth is sterilized to remove any remaining 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. Then the root canal and pulp chamber are permanently filled and sealed. Finally, the tooth is fully restored to chewing functions – most often with a full crown.

Care Following Treatment

Once the root canal treatment is completed, you should be aware of the following considerations:

• Discoloration – Occasionally an endodontically treated tooth may undergo 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.

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 and will make every effort to save yours!