Root Canal Therapy (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve (also called the pulp) of the tooth. If you have been told that a root canal is necessary to save one of your teeth, it is important that you understand why this procedure is important and what happens during root canal treatment. In the past, a tooth that was diseased or infected had to be removed. Today this is no longer the case. 95% of the time, teeth can be saved and bone loss minimized with Root Canal Therapy.
Signs of Needing Root Canal Therapy
The most common factors contributing to the need for Root Canal Therapy are:
- Infection caused by deep decay or a very large filling
- Severe gum disease
- Trauma, such as a physical blow to a tooth or constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw
Symptoms of Infection of Tooth Nerves/Pulp
Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and infected. Bacteria grow within the tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain, sometimes accompanied by swelling of the face. Deterioration of the pulp may happen gradually causing little pain. Either way, eventually the bacteria will destroy the pulp. As this happens, the bone surrounding the tooth may become infected and abscessed, which may lead to the destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
- Low-radiation x-rays and a thorough clinical examination will be performed to determine if Root Canal Therapy is recommended. If so, a series of appointments will be scheduled for you. It’s important that you keep these appointments to prevent delays in treatment and healing.
- We will relieve any discomfort you might experience and ensure your complete comfort throughout Root Canal Therapy. Discuss Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry with your AXIS Dental Group Endodontist.
- Similar to other dental work/fillings, an anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and surrounding area. The tooth will be carefully isolated, which confines the treatment area and protects the rest of the mouth during treatment.
- The difference between having a regular filling and a Root Canal is rather than placing a filling in the crown of the tooth, you are having a filling in the canal of the tooth.
- An opening will be made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp. We carefully remove the diseased pulp. The root canal area inside your tooth will be cleaned, enlarged and shaped. Then, depending on your individual case, the root canal and pulp chamber may be permanently filled and sealed. In some cases, we place a temporary medication in the tooth to control bacterial growth and reduce infection.
- A temporary filling will be placed in the opening of the tooth until the next visit. In some cases, the tooth may be left open in order to allow the infection to drain. We will decide which approach is right for your individual case and do whatever is necessary to assure your comfort.
- At the next appointment, we will thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth to remove any additional bacteria. Throughout the root canal procedure, we will take low-radiation x-rays to ensure all of the infected pulp is removed and that the canals are well prepared. Finally, we will permanently fill and seal the pulp chamber.
- Once the root canal treatment is complete, the tooth can be fully restored with a dental crown.
It’s never a good idea to prolong dental pain or put off the inevitable. Book your appointment for Root Canal Therapy today and prevent bone and tooth loss.
