What is root canal therapy?
To understand root canal therapy you must first understand the 3 layers that a tooth is composed of :
-enamel – is the outer hard layer of the tooth composed primarily of minerals. Enamel is actually considered the hardest substance in the human body.
-dentin – is a calcified tissue that makes up the bulk of the tooth located beneath the enamel layer.
-pulp – is the center layer of the tooth made up of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues. This is the part of the tooth that is responsible for supplying a growing tooth with nutrients.
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to remove infected, damaged or dead pulp from a tooth so that the tooth can be saved from extraction. Once the infected pulp is removed, the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to ensure that further infection is not possible. The void inside the tooth is then filled with a bio-compatible material and the tooth is restored back to its full function.
Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?
When a tooth's nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess happens when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. An infection in the root canal of a tooth can also cause:
⦁ Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
⦁ Bone loss around the tip of the root
⦁ Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.
What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?
If you need a root canal, you may notice these signs:
Tooth sensitivity that lingers, especially to heat or cold
⦁ Sharp pain when chewing or biting
⦁ Pimples on your gums
⦁ Chipped or cracked teeth
⦁ Swollen or painful gums
⦁ Deep decay or darkened gums
Root Canal Procedure
⦁ We are proud to offer our patients the latest in root canal therapy. A root canal is a procedure that extracts decayed pulp from the central part of the tooth, reshapes the canal and replaces it with strengthened filler. There are a number of reasons a root canal may be necessary, including dental injuries, severe decay and infection or inflammation in the tooth pulp – the soft, living tissue inside each tooth. When left untreated, these problems can lead to severe tooth decay reaching the root of the tooth, causing extensive damage to the tooth structure. When the damage goes beyond what can be treated with a filling, we can perform a root canal to preserve the tooth and retain its original integrity. In some cases, an Endodontic Re-Treatment or Endodontic Surgery may be required.
⦁ What follows are basic pre- and post-operative instructions so that your root canal operation will go as smoothly and comfortably as possible, as well as a basic explanation of the root canal operation. If you have any questions about your upcoming endodontic procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
⦁ Arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure if you feel you will need it or if our office recommends it.
⦁ Be sure not to take any aspirin for at least 10 days prior to your procedure. If you have are prescribed regular aspiring use, consult with our office.
⦁ Before your procedure, you may take an analgesic to help minimize discomfort.
⦁ Do not smoke for at least 12 hours before your procedure.
⦁ Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure. Keep in mind that we may need to roll up a sleeve to monitor your blood pressure.
DURING THE PROCEDURE
⦁ During a normal endodontic procedure, the doctor will examine the tooth and surrounding areas, both visually and with radiographs (X-rays).
⦁ Once the treatment is decided upon, the tooth will be numbed with local anesthetic and a dental dam placed over the area to protect the area and keep it clean and dry.
⦁ An opening is made in the tooth and the pulp – the living tissue in the center of the tooth – is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals. The root canals are also shaped to better prepare them for the next steps.
⦁ After the pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is clean and ready, the doctor will fill the canals with a biocompatible thermoplastic.
⦁ After the canals and pulp chamber are filled, the doctor will seal the tooth and place a temporary filling over the seal, to prevent the filling from becoming infected while a permanent crown is created. A permanent restoration will need to be placed afterwards. When and how this will happen may vary, and should be coordinated between our office and your general dentist.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
⦁ You should expect some soreness, discomfort and minor swelling for up to two days after the procedure. This should subside naturally.
⦁ You should be able to return to normal activities like working and driving the day after the procedure.
⦁ If you are prescribed medication, be sure to take it exactly as prescribed.
⦁ Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth has subsided. Do not eat on the side of the mouth that has had a root canal until a permanent restoration can be put in, and only eat soft foods for at least the first day after your procedure.
⦁ For discomfort, you can take medicine as recommended if you need to. If this is insufficient, you can take pain medicine as prescribed by our office. Warm salt water rinses will also help alleviate discomfort: simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt into warm water and rinse. You may use this rinse as often as you want.
⦁ Be sure to continue brushing and flossing as normal, but be very careful when brushing around the area that has had a root canal.
⦁ If you experience any problems, swelling or allergic reactions, contact our office immediately.
Root Canal Alternatives
Saving your natural teeth is the very best option, if possible. Your natural teeth allow you to eat a wide variety of foods necessary to maintain proper nutrition. The root canal procedure can help save your teeth.
The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture. These alternatives are more expensive than a root canal procedure and need more treatment time.
Root Canal Prevention
Since some of the reasons the nerve of a tooth and its pulp become inflamed and infected are due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures or large fillings, there are steps you can take to help you avoid a root canal:
- Brush at least twice a day.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Wear a mouth guard to avoid sports-related injury.
- See your dentist regularly.