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Root Canal
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 the 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 reduced 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.
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 reading. 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 preserver your natural teeth for a lifetime.
We Care About You and Your Comfort!
©2004 - 2009 Soft Touch Dental Spa - Cosmetic & General Dentistry
11803 Westheimer
Suite 710 | Royal Oaks HEB Center
Houston, Texas 77077 |
(281) 497-7911