Overview
A diseased or injured nerve use to mean
that you were likely to lose a tooth. This is no longer the case thanks
to root canal therapy. The procedure can require up to three visits to
the dentist but it causes little or no discomfort. The most significant
upside is that it is possible to retain your tooth and save your smile.
What is a root canal treatment?
Each
tooth contains pulp that supplies nutrients and nerves to the tooth.
This pulp connects with the root. The pulp tissue perishes in the event
that the pulp is diseased or injured. Opting not to act will mean your
tooth will then become infected and you risk losing the tooth. Root
canal therapy will salvage the damaged pulp in the root canal. The
dentist will extract the diseased pulp, reshape the canal, seal it for
protection and strengthen your tooth by fitting a crown.
Why do I need root canal treatment?
Not
treating a diseased or injured nerve will cause the infection to spread
as your tooth can not heal on its own. Pus develops at the root tip in
the jawbone when not treated and forms a "pus-pocket" called an abscess.
An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth. The bone
surrounding your tooth will breakdown and your tooth may loosen until it
falls out. Pain typically increases.
You have another option
aside from root canal therapy. You can choose to have the tooth
extracted. This will be cheaper but leaves you with a missing tooth. The
consequences include a bad bite as the surrounding teeth shift into
crooked positions. This means it may be necessary for a bridge or an
implant which are likely to be more expensive than root canal therapy.
It is advisable to choose the root canal therapy as you will retain your
original teeth.
How do I choose an appropriate dentist?
Your
dentist can assist you with diseased and injured nerves within your
teeth that require root canal therapy. It is generally a simple
procedure. Do not hesitate to discuss other treatment options with your
dentist.
What causes pulp nerve damage?
Trauma and
physical irritation are the two common causes of pulp nerve damage.
Sensitive nerve tissue within the tooth can be damaged by trauma to a
tooth. This may be a result of a tooth being struck heavily. Physical
irritation stems from the spreading of tooth decay to the nerve. The
result is decay and infection as destructive bacteria comes into contact
with the nerve.
What are the symptoms of pulp nerve damage?
There
are several symptoms of pulp nerve damage. These can be similar to
other conditions. It is therefore important to visit a dentist to
determine the precise problem. The symptoms include a swollen face,
heightened sensitivity in your teeth when consuming hot and cold drinks,
pain in your tooth brought on by chewing and biting. It is worthwhile
noting that each person may experience these symptoms to varying
degrees.
What is a 'root canal'?
The pulp is soft
tissue that contains the veins, arteries, nerves and lymph vessels
belonging to your tooth. Pulp is located under your tooth's outer enamel
and within the dentin. Root canals can be described as small and thin
divisions that branch from the top pulp chamber and continue to the
root.
What is the 'dental pulp'?
Inside each tooth is
pulp which is the soft tissue that provides nutrients and nerves to the
tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves.
It runs like a thread down through the root.
What does treatment involve?
Root canal therapy requires up to three visits to the dentist.
The treatment will progress through the steps outlined below.
1. An opening is created through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
2. The dental pulp is removed.
3. The root canal(s) is cleaned, enlarged, and shaped in order to be filled.
4.
Medications may be inserted into the pulp chamber and root canal(s) so
as to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent further infection.
5.
Your dentist may decide to drain the tooth by leaving the tooth
uncovered for a couple of days. Otherwise a temporary filling will be
used over the opening to protect the tooth before the next visit to the
dentist. Medicine to control the infection may also be given to you.
This is to assist in containing the infection beyond the tooth.
6. The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
7. The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled.
8. A gold or porcelain crown is placed over the tooth.
9. The crown of the tooth is then restored.
What is an 'endodontist'?
Endodontists
are dentists specializing in diseases associated with dental pulp. They
generally deal with more complex endodontic procedures not handled by
general dentists. This may include the re-treatment of root canals that
have not healed completely. Determining the reasons for oral and facial
pain can also be done by Endodontists.
How long will the restored tooth last?
It
is possible for your restored tooth to last a lifetime but it will
depend on several items. It is imperative that the root(s) of the
treated continue to be nourished by the surrounding tissue. It is also
worth noting the importance of adopting good oral hygiene and regular
visits to the dentist for a check-up.
Are there any risks?
A
tooth in need of root canal therapy should be addressed immediately.
Any delay is likely to cause abscess at the root of the tooth that will
breakdown the bone tissue. It will be virtually impossible to save the
tooth at this point and may result in the tooth falling out. The
infection is also likely to spread to adjoining teeth which may lead to a
swollen face and neck, blood poisoning, and fever.
Some patients
have reportedly described having root canal therapy as being as
unremarkable as having a filling. Root canal treatments are completed
successfully most of time. On a very rare occasion the therapy may need
to be redone due to the fracturing of a canal filing instrument used or a
diseased canal going undetected.
What happens after treatment?
In
some cases natural tissue inflammation may be the source of a little
discomfort. This will probably last a few days and can be assisted by an
analgesic purchased at a pharmacy or supermarket. Your dentist will
want to monitor the healing tissue with a follow-up exam. It is
advisable to avoid difficult to chew foods. It will also be important to
practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular
check-ups.
