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FAQ About Root Canal Therapy
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| << Previous FAQ Page 13 | Ask the Cosmetic Dentists' Index | Next FAQ Page 15 >> |
Q: What Is It and Why Do I Need A Root Canal?
A: A badly infected tooth or one that just had significant decay can sometimes be salvaged through procedures utilized by both the general dentist and the root canal specialist, the endodontist. Extraction is truly our last resort!
Q: How do I know if I need a root canal?
A: Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:
1.Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
2.Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
3.Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.
Q: Why should I spend a lot of money on a root canal? Why not just pull the tooth?
A: Losing a tooth can precipitate further teeth loss. Saving the tooth maintains space, keeps other teeth from shifting, and eliminates the need and cost of a bridge or implant and crown. Although seemingly expensive, it is actually quite cost effective. Remember, once your teeth are gone, they're gone!
Q: How is a root canal performed?
A: A root canal is really not as bad as it is sometimes made out to be and in our office, we try to make it as pleasant as possible. Here's how it works. Root canal treatment consists of the removal of the infected or irritated nerve tissue that lies within the root of the tooth. It is this infected pulp tissue that causes an eventual abscess.
The first step in a root canal is to obtain access to the nerve. This is accomplished by establishing a small access opening in the top of the tooth. It will be done under a local anesthetic. The length of the root canals is determined and the infected pulp is removed.
Usually at the same visit, the canal where the nerve is located will be reshaped and prepared to accept a special root canal filling material. This filling procedure will probably not occur until your next visit. The number of visits necessary to complete your root canal will depend upon several factors including the number of nerves in the tooth, the infected state of the nerve and the complexity of the procedure. The final step in your root canal will be the sealing of the root canal with a sterile, plastic material, called gutta percha. This is done in order to prevent possible future infection.
The tooth will then possibly need a post and core and a crown in order to re-establish normal form and function. This decision will be based upon several additional factors. If treated early, root canal therapy need not be uncomfortable.
Another " Old Wive's Tale " is that by removing the nerve the tooth becomes " dead." This is not true. The tooth is very much alive and functioning because it receives a source of blood supply and nerve supply from the surrounding tissues that hold it in place in your jaw bone. The tooth will have no sense of feeling to hot, cold or sweets but will be responsive to biting pressures etc. With the proper restoration the tooth should last as long as your other teeth and can even be used as an anchor tooth for a partial denture or cemented bridge.
Sometimes when there has been long-standing infection or abscess, there may be some soreness associated with the first or second root canal visit. If this should be true, you will be given specific instructions to follow to minimize the discomfort. When an infection is present, it may be necessary to take an antibiotic. If pain should be present, analgesics may need to be prescribed. In either case, be sure to call your dental office if either of these problems should arise.
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