ENDODONTIC (ROOT CANAL) THERAPY
What is a root canal?
Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the
pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very
small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A
tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals.
Why do I feel pain?
When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in,
or injury due to trauma, it can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and cellular
activity, and pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly
felt when biting down, chewing on it and applying hot or cold foods and drinks.
Why do I need root canal therapy?
Because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone
around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall-out. Pain usually worsens until
one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction of
the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting in a bad bite. Though
an extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which can be
more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it's always best to keep your
original teeth.
What is involved in root canal therapy?
Once your general dentist performs tests on the tooth and recommends therapy, he or she can
perform the treatment or refer you to an endo-dontist (a pulp specialist). Treatment usually
involves one to three appointments.
First, you will probably be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, a gap is drilled
from the crown into the pulp chamber, which, along with any infected root canal, is cleaned of all
diseased pulp and reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to fight bacteria. Depending
on the condition of the tooth, the crown may then be sealed temporarily to guard against
recontamination, or the tooth may be left open to drain, or the dentist may go right ahead and
fill the canals.
If you're given a temporary filling, usually on the next visit it's removed and the pulp chamber
and canal(s) are filled with rubberlike gutta percha or another material to prevent recontamination.
If the tooth is still weak, a metal post may be inserted above the canal filling to reinforce
the tooth. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed. Finally, a gold or porcelain crown is
normally placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve appearance.
What are the risks and complications?
More than 95 percent of root canal treatments are successful. However, sometimes a case needs to
be redone due to diseased canal offshoots. Occasionally, a root canal therapy will fail
altogether, marked by a return of pain.
What happens after treatment?
Natural tissue inflammation may cause discomfort for a few days, which can be controlled by an
over-the-counter analgesic. A follow-up exam can monitor tissue healing. From this point on,
brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, and see your dentist
regularly.
Return to HOME PAGE
or SERVICES/HOT TOPICS