Articles
Root Canal Therapy
The mere mention of root canal therapy sends a shudder through most patients. However, with advances in modern dental technology and effective use of analgesia even this most feared of dental treatments has been transformed into a pain free and acceptable procedure and we are now to save many of the most heavily destroyed teeth and avoid extractions.
Any discomfort associated with root canal treatment is in fact usually felt prior to an intervention by the dentist. Usually the tooth has died or is dying as a result of extensive decay or trauma. During the dying period the root become irritated and this produces the pain that makes most patient seek advice from the dentist. Once the tooth has died the nerve endings and blood vessels in the tooth can become infected and subsequently form a abscess, causing a build-up of pressure and associated pain.
The aim of root canal therapy is to relieve any discomfort, not create it and in fact we achieve this in a painless and relaxed manner. After gaining access to the tooth, which is simply like having a normal filling, all the canals are cleaned out thoroughly with special antiseptics. The void created is then completely filled up with a plasticised material which renders the whole canal system inert, stable and therefore pain free.
The treatment is usually carried out over two visits and during each appointment the tooth is isolated with use of a rubber dam. Between appointments the tooth is dressed temporarily so as to remain pain free functional. After the rooth canal treatment the tooth can be restored to a natural looking and normal state, usually by crowing, to increase its overall strength and longevity.
When to Root Canal?
If you have a tooth whose internal structures are inflamed or infected then this infection could spread from your tooth to the Jaw bone. You may have symptoms like:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food.
- Constant throbbing or dull pain.
- Pain on chewing.
- Or you may have no symptoms at all.
Whether or not you have symptoms, your tooth will worsen over time and it may eventually have to be removed.
Endodontics lower block
Endodontics or root canal therapy can restore your tooth to the healthiest state by removing damaged tissue from inside of your tooth's root.
Dental Evaluation lower block
Your dentist evaluates the health of your teeth by asking you for the above symptoms or history of any injury to the tooth. Tapping of teeth may also be done to check for pain. The dentist may now take intra oral X-rays to see the inside of your tooth and the surrounding bone. Any unhealthy changes in the tooth or the surrounding tissues may be visible on the X-rays.
Stages of Root Canal
Root Canal therapy proceeds in 2 stages
- Preparing the Root Canal
- Filling the Root Canal
Your treatment may take one or two visits. Local anesthesia may be necessary to prevent pain that occurs if nay nerve fibers are still alive in the pulp.
Preparing the Root Canal
First, your dentist makes an opening in your teeth and removes any filling or decay.
Unhealthy pulp tissue is then removed with tiny, flexible files the dentist then shapes each canal to receive a filling.
X rays help assure that the instruments go exactly to the end of the root and not beyond.
The most commonly used filling material is a film, waxy, rubbery compound called Gutta Percha. Gutta Percha points corresponding to the size of the clean canal are selected. A sealer cement is used to seat the Gutta.
Restoring Your Tooth
After the inside of the tooth has been treated, the outside will be restored, to protect the underlying structures and give your tooth a healthy appearance. If your tooth needs extra support, your dentist may remove some Gutta Percha and insert a post before filling and crown are applied.
- A Post - Stainless steel or a tooth coloured material is sometimes cemented into the Root Canal to build the tooth after Root Canal Therapy.
- A Filling - This is used to fill up the opening that the dentist has made in your tooth.
- A Crown - This may be used to cover the tooth that has a large opening after Root Canal Therapy. Top
