1. What is Root Canal therapy?
Endodontics is a recognized specialty of dentistry that addresses the inside of the tooth. Teeth are made of three layers, the outside (enamel), middle layer (dentin), and inside (pulp).
Root Canal therapy involves the removal of diseased or traumatized pulp tissue, while maintaining and preserving the healthy dentin, enamel and supporting structures such as periodontal ligament and bone. Specialized instruments and disinfecting solutions are used to clean and shape the root canal system, followed by the placement of a biocompatible root canal filling. Once the root canal is complete your general dentist will place a permanent filling or crown.
2. Why do root canals become necessary?
The most common reason root canals become necessary is due to bacterial contamination from deep cavities. Trauma and repeated dental procedures can also cause irreversible damage to the pulp tissue thus requiring root canal therapy.
3. Will I have pain during or after the procedure?
Every effort will be employed to make your root canal a comfortable and positive experience. Local anesthetic will be applied gently and utilized to provide profound numbness to the tooth and surrounding soft tissues. If any discomfort is anticipated or is encountered during treatment immediate measures will be taken to provide additional anesthetic to ensure comfort during your procedure. Minor post-treatment discomfort can be expected, but is usually limited to jaw soreness and a "bruised" feeling in your tooth. Anti-inflammatory medications are recommended as needed, if tolerable by the patient. Prescription pain medication and/or antibiotics will be provided by your Endodontist in cases of severe infection or anticipation of atypical post-treatment pain.
4. Why can't my General Dentist do the root canal?
All Dentists are trained in basic root canal procedures during dental school and most provide this service in their offices on uncomplicated front teeth. Endodontist receive post-doctoral training for a minimum of 2 years specializing in the anatomy, physiology and microbiology of the root canal system. Many back teeth such as molars are very complex and difficult to treat, for this reason specialized training in microscopic technique allow endodontists to successfully and efficiently treat infection in these teeth. Your general dentist has referred you to our office because they understand the complexity of the root canal system and desire the very best for your oral health and overall well being.
5. How long will the root canal take and will I need follow-up visits?
Please plan 2 hours for your root canal to be completed. Most root canals can be completed in one visit, but some are very difficult and require special attention, such as medication placement to help eliminate aggressive infections. For these cases, two appointments may become necessary. Endodontists are very particular about quality and successful outcomes, thus for most cases 3, 6 or 12-month follow-ups are necessary.
6. What do I do after the root canal?
Post-treatment instructions will be provided verbally and in written format. A temporary filling will be placed to seal the root canal system and your general dentist will complete the final restoration. We are able to complete the permanent restoration if needed as requested by the general dentist or the patient. Strong emphasis is placed on the punctual placement of a permanent filling or crown to protect the root canal system. We will provide your dentist with a post-treatment report and encourage final restoration within 2-3 weeks of the root canal completion. You should be very cautious with your temporary filling and avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the side of the mouth the root canal was complete.
7. What if my tooth continues to have pain after the root canal?
When done right the first time, endodontic therapy has a very high success rate, above 90%. If symptoms persist 3-4 weeks after your root canal, retreatment or periapical surgery may become necessary to eliminate particularly aggressive and evasive bacterial contamination.
8. What is retreatment or periapical surgery?
Retreatment is the removal of previously placed root canal fillings. The system is cleaned and shaped again and then another filling is placed. Periapical surgery (Apicoectomy) is a minor microscopic surgical procedure that removes the tip or apex of your root. Surgery allows the Endodontist to identify fractures if present and remove infection from the bone surrounding the tip of the root.
9. Can I go back to work?
You should be more then capable of returning to work the same day as your root canal procedure. Only with apicoectomy procedures does the possibility arise of having to be off work for an additional day. If any unanticipated complications arise during treatment appropriate instructions on returning to work will be provided.
10. What are my alternatives, what if I don't get the root canal?
Our teeth are a living functioning part of our body and should be maintained in their most natural and healthy form. If your tooth is damaged to the extent that a root canal is necessary then the only options for treatment are to have the root canal or extract the tooth. Leaving diseased tissue within your tooth is not advisable and could lead to infection within the bone in your jaw and surrounding structures. Abscess can occur and if left untreated can present life-threatening complications. Extraction of the tooth with implant placement is an excellent alternative to root canal therapy when the tooth is damaged beyond repair, but your own tooth is always the best dental implant! Other alternatives for restoration include bridge placement or a removable partial denture.