What is a Root Canal?

                                  Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose

                                  that tooth. Today, endodontic treatment can safely and comfortably save a tooth

                                  that otherwise would have to be removed. In fact, root canal therapy is successful

                                  approximately 95% of the time. Remember, a healthy restored tooth is always

                                  better than an artificial one!

Why couldn't’t you just remove the tooth?

The choice is yours, but there are many disadvantages to losing a tooth. When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the teeth next to the empty space begin to shift from their normal position. This may cause teeth to become crooked or crowded, which decreases chewing and biting efficiency. Crowded or crooked teeth may be more prone to dental disease because they are harder to keep clean than properly aligned teeth. As a result, other teeth may be lost if the missing tooth is not replaced.

A replacement tooth (an implant or a bridge) is usually more expensive than Endodontic treatment and involves more extensive dental procedures on adjacent teeth.

Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, it runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. The most common cause of pulp death is tooth fracture, trauma or a deep cavity that exposes the pulp to saliva. The bacteria found in saliva cause infection inside the tooth. Left untreated, the infection eventually causes the pulp to die. Pus can build up at the root tip, forming an abscess than can destroy the supporting bone that surrounds the tooth. If you don't remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it.

Here's how your tooth is saved through treatment:

                                    First, the tooth is isolated from the saliva with a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber

                                    placed around the tooth). An opening is then made through the crown of the

                                    tooth into the pulp chamber. You may be given a local anesthetic prior to this

                                    step so that you will be more comfortable during treatment.

                                    The pulp is then carefully removed from both the pulp chamber and

                                    root canal(s). The root canal(s) is cleaned, enlarged and shaped to a

                                    form that can be properly filled.  Often the canal can be filled during

                                    this visit.  However, if it still seems too infected, Dr. Bolton will wait

 

                                    Medication may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) between

                                    appointments to help eliminate bacteria and prevent infection.

A temporary filling will be placed in an opening in the crown of the

                                    tooth to protect the pulp chamber and root canal(s) between visits.

                                    If the pulp was severely infected, your dentist may leave the tooth

                                   open for a few days to drain. You may also be given antibiotics to help

                                    the body control infection that has spread beyond the tooth.

                                    During the next stage of treatment, the temporary filling is removed.

                                    The pulp chamber and tooth canal(s) are then filled and permanently

                                    sealed with a material that prevents bacteria    from re-entering the

                                    canal. In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed

                                    over the tooth to restore structure, function and appearance. If an

                                    endodontist performs the treatment, he or she will recommend that

                                   you return to your dentist for this final step.

                                   The type of material used for the crown will depend on where the tooth

                                    is located in your mouth, the color of the tooth and the amount of

                                    natural tooth remaining. A front tooth that affects appearance, for

                                    instance, most likely will be restored with porcelain or a porcelain-

                                    fused-to-metal crown. When a back tooth has been badly fractured or

                                   decayed, a gold or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown may be used. Your

                                   dentist will discuss these options with you.

Your endodontically treated and restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. As long as the root(s) of an endodontically treated tooth is properly nourished by the surrounding tissues, your tooth will remain healthy.

Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!

Please call us at (919) 479-5800 if you have any questions about having a Root Canal.

Source: American Dental Association