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What
Is a Root Canal?
Endodontics literally means dentistry within the tooth itself.
Root canal therapy fits within this special area of dentistry.
The root canal procedure deals with the nerve of the tooth which
is housed in the pulp chamber and in the canal within the root.
A root canal is performed when the nerve is to diseased to be
saved and must be removed. Pulp disease usually means that one
will lose the tooth unless something is done to save it. Root
canal therapy involves replacing the diseased or dead pulp with
a substance that will help preserve the function of the
tooth. Modern techniques have made this toothsaving procedure
much more acceptable than in the past.
Why
Are Root Canals Necessary?
Tooth Decay
There are many reasons that a root canal may be needed. The most
common cause is the carious process (the uncontrolled process
of tooth decay). When tooth decay begins, it penetrates the outer
layer of enamel and creates a cavity. If that process is
not stopped, the decay will continue toward the nerve of the tooth.
Infections
Sometimes a tooth will become infected from within, causing an
infection and/or abscess that can be terribly painful.
In addition to pain, other symptoms include swelling,
tenderness or pain when chewing. Infection may effect underlying
bone, in which case the effected area must be treated antibiotics
and may need time to drain before the root canal therapy can proceed.
Trauma
Sometimes trauma (injury) to the tooth will injure the nerve.
Such injury can be caused by an automobile accident, a
blow to the mouth or when a tooth cracks or breaks spontaneously
while eating.
What
Can I Expect During a Root Canal?
The dentist will thoroughly examine the tooth that is causing
problems and will test it in various ways (including X-ray
examination) to determine whether or not the pulp tissue is diseased.
When the decision for root canal therapy has been made, the dentist
will gain access to the pulp chamber of the tooth, much like
filling a cavity. The diseased pulp will be removed while
leaving the canal intact. The canal will be flushed out with special
solutions before a medication is placed within. A temporary crown
or restoration will then be placed on the tooth, so the
patient will not feel uncomfortable between dental visits. Later,
usually during another appointment, the root will be permanently
filled with a material that will keep the canal intact for a long
period of time. A permanent restoration (crown) is then
prepared and applied to the tooth. To view a visual form of root
canal therapy click HERE!
Is
Root Canal Therapy Painful?
The
inside of the tooth is very sensitive, so the dentist will administer
medication to ensure that the area is desensitized and you will
not feel uncomfortable. You should communicate any uncomfortable
feeling to the dentist throughout the procedure so that the
desired level of pain control may be maintained. The procedure
involves many steps and it often takes several dental visits to
complete the therapy. Occasionally, a waiting period between visits
is necessary to allow infection to clear up. It is very important
to follow all of your dentists instructions precisely to avoid
complications.
Will
Root Canal Therapy Save my Tooth?
Root canal therapy has a very high rate of success (more
than 90%), but there are cases where the tooth is too damaged
to save or where continued infection requires additional treatment,
possibly even extraction of the tooth.
Why
is Follow-Up So Important?
After root canal therapy is completed, you should see
you dentist at recommended intervals (usually in at least six
months if no symptoms occur). If you have continued discomfort,
pain or swelling, you should contact your dentist immediately.
If the root canal therapy is successful, your follow-up visits
will be less frequent, but in no case should you discontinue
follow-up. Your dentist must make sure that the root canal
is intact. This is very important to assure that there are no
continuing infectious process. Good follow-up care can make the
difference between success and failure of the procedure.
Why
Not Pull the Tooth?
Root canal therapy may seem like a lot of trouble but
keep in mind that your "bite" is very complex, and when a tooth
is lost it affects the manner in which your entire set of teeth
fit together (occlusion). A replacement, such as a bridge, is
usually needed to compensate for the function of the lost tooth
so problems of occlusion will be minimized.
No replacement is as good as your natural tooth,
so every attempt should me made to save it. Remember, a
root canal is done to save your tooth. To make sure that its effectiveness
is long lasting, regular visits to your dentist are extremely
important. Working together, you and your dentist can maintain
the best possible dental care.
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