Root Canal Therapy
Endodontic (root canal) Therapy is a procedure to retain a tooth, which may otherwise require extraction. Endodontic (meaning within the tooth) or Root Canal Therapy consists of removing infected tissue inside the tooth and then filling in and sealing the space left behind. This generally occurs when decay (caries), cracks and or dental restoration is deep enough to allow bacteria to enter into the pulp. The pulp is the inner tissue of the tooth. The pulp is filled with blood vessels, nerve endings, connective tissue and various specialized cells that help in the development of the tooth.
Retreatment of root canal therapy may be required when contamination occurs to the inside of the tooth, or due to narrow or curved canals that are unable to be treated. Retreatment requires removal of any dental fillings, posts, and previous root canal fillings.
Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic Surgery may sometimes be additionally required due to the inability to reach part of the canal system through routine root canal therapy and/or lack of healing of tissues around roots.
Alternative treatment
There are alternative choices to root canal therapy such as tooth extraction or abstaining from treatment. Delay of treatment or opting out of treatment may result in pain, swelling, loss of teeth, and spread of infection to other parts of the body. Tooth extraction will likely require a prosthetic device such as a bridge, denture or dental implant in combination with a crown or other prosthesis.
Healing
Healing after these procedures generally occurs with time. A natural part of healing is inflammation. Inflammation may include discomfort, tenderness, and even swelling in the areas around the treatment. Endodontic treatment is unique with each tooth treated. The healing time may vary depending on the individual situation.
After your Root Canal Treatment:
Retreatment of root canal therapy may be required when contamination occurs to the inside of the tooth, or due to narrow or curved canals that are unable to be treated. Retreatment requires removal of any dental fillings, posts, and previous root canal fillings.
Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic Surgery may sometimes be additionally required due to the inability to reach part of the canal system through routine root canal therapy and/or lack of healing of tissues around roots.
Alternative treatment
There are alternative choices to root canal therapy such as tooth extraction or abstaining from treatment. Delay of treatment or opting out of treatment may result in pain, swelling, loss of teeth, and spread of infection to other parts of the body. Tooth extraction will likely require a prosthetic device such as a bridge, denture or dental implant in combination with a crown or other prosthesis.
Healing
Healing after these procedures generally occurs with time. A natural part of healing is inflammation. Inflammation may include discomfort, tenderness, and even swelling in the areas around the treatment. Endodontic treatment is unique with each tooth treated. The healing time may vary depending on the individual situation.
After your Root Canal Treatment:
- Endodontic treatment utilizes local anesthesia, allowing patients to drive home or return to work the same day.
- Do not eat until the numbness from the local anesthesia has worn off to avoid biting the tongue, cheek, or tissues in the area.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration is placed. It is imperative that you return to your general dentist as soon as possible following the completion of this procedure.
- Crowns are required on posterior teeth to avoid fracture, future infection, loss of tooth, and may be needed even on anterior teeth.
- You may brush and floss your teeth. Avoid flossing any temporary restoration until a permanent restoration is placed to avoid dislodging it.
- Treatment must occur in a timely fashion to avoid re-infection or fracture and loss of tooth. Several visits may be required. Therefore it is important that you keep your scheduled appointments.