Root canal treatment
This is procedure that everyone dreads but sometimes has to be done in order to save the tooth. It is usually completed over 2-3 appointments with 1-2 weeks in between those appointments.
The key is not to let it get to this stage in the first place! So come in for your regular check-ups and x-rays.
FAQ
Root canal treatment is a safe and effective procedure that has been used for decades to treat infected teeth. While there have been some concerns raised about the safety of root canals, the overwhelming evidence suggests that they are a safe and reliable treatment option.
One of the main arguments against root canals is the idea that they can cause systemic infections or other health problems. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, studies have shown that the bacteria that can cause infections in the pulp of a tooth are not the same bacteria that can cause infections in other parts of the body.
Another concern is that root canal treatment can leave harmful materials in the body. However, the materials used in modern root canal treatments are safe and biocompatible. The filling material used to seal the space left by the removed pulp is typically made of a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, which is non-toxic and well-tolerated by the body.
A root canal is necessary when the pulp of a tooth becomes damaged or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, a cracked tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and even to other parts of the body.
We won’t lie to you. There are times when root canal treatment is not painless. But these situations are usually when a dental infection has been left too long. The resulting abscess and pus around the tooth makes it very difficult to numb the tooth 100%.
However, this is not the case for many patients and we have various methods to numb a difficult tooth.
After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and lasts for a day or so.
Root canal treatment has a 10 year success rate of 90-95%.
One of the most important factors in the success of a root canal is the complete removal of the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth. If any pulp tissue is left behind, it can lead to further infection or damage and may require additional treatment.
In addition to the complete removal of the pulp, proper filling and sealing of the space left by the removed pulp is also crucial for the success of a root canal. This ensures that bacteria cannot re-enter the tooth and cause further infection.
With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can last many years.
In many cases, a crown is needed after root canal treatment to protect the tooth and restore its function. The reason for this is that quite often, a tooth needing root canal treatment has suffered extensive decay or trauma leaving it weaker and more vulnerable to further damage. A crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the entire tooth and provides added protection and strength.
Without a crown, a tooth that has undergone a root canal may be more likely to fracture or break, which can require further treatment or even extraction. Additionally, a crown can help to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering and causing further infection.
While a crown is not always necessary after a root canal, it is often recommended to ensure the long-term success of the treatment. We will be able to assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
Like any medical or dental procedure, there are some risks and complications associated with root canal treatment.
Before the procedure, the dentist will go through all of these with you to ensure you understand the relevant details of the procedure.
One of the main risks is tooth fracture due to extensive damage from decay or trauma. This is why a crown is often recommended after the procedure to reinforce and strengthen the tooth.
Another risk involved is re-infection of the root canal. This happens when bacteria is allowed to grow or infiltrate the root canal and most often occurs when the root canal anatomy is unusual. The dentist will always try to identify these únusual root canals and may refer you to a root canal specialist (called an endodontist) to complete treatment.
Overall, while there are some risks associated with root canal treatment, they are generally low, and the benefits of saving a damaged or infected tooth often outweigh the risks.