ENDODONTICS & CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY
When a tooth is badly decayed and becomes infected, Root canal treatment is suggested to save the tooth. Here the infected nerve and pulp are removed, cleaned, filled and sealed to prevent abscess formation and spreading of infection. As the tooth becomes non vital, it is suggested to put a crown on the treated tooth. At Precision Centre the specialists perform the procedure with latest rotary equipment and make it less discomfort to the patients.
What is Root Canal Therapy (RCT)? Why is it done?
When the tooth becomes infected, root canal treatment has to be done. The causes of inflammation or infection are decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns or a crack in the tooth. Pulp damage is also caused by trauma. If the treatment is delayed, it causes pain which may lead to abscess.
What are the stages in performing Root Canal Therapy?
STAGES OF ROOT CANAL THERAPY
- DIAGNOSIS Your specialist finds infected pulp in your tooth. You are referred for a root canal to save the tooth.
- LOCAL ANESTHESIA Anesthetic is injected around the treatment area. The root canal won’t begin until you are totally numb.
- DENTAL DAM A dental dam-a thin plastic sheet-isolates the affected tooth. The dam keeps the treatment area free of bacteria.
- PULP REMOVAL A hole is made with a drill to give access to the root canals. The diseased pulp is removed from the canals using small instruments.
- CANAL CLEANING The root canals are cleaned with antiseptic and antibacterial agents. The canals are shaped and prepared.
- CANAL FILLING The canals are filled with gutta-percha and an adhesive sealant. The canals must be filled completely to prevent re-infection.
- TOOTH FILLING AND CROWN A tooth filling seals the hole created with the drill. A crown restores the tooth structure and gives a natural look.
- AFTER CARE For severe infections, you may need antibiotics. Minor post procedure discomfort can be treated with OTC medicines.
Is Root Canal Therapy painful?
The Root Canal Procedure itself is painless. The tooth and the surrounding area is numbed by the local anesthetic during the procedure. The pain the patient might feel is not due to RCT, but due to infection in the tooth. This pain is eventually eliminated by RCT.
Is there a need for cap after Root Canal Treatment?
After RCT, the tooth becomes non-vital and strength is reduced and becomes brittle with time & cannot withstand biting forces. Caps are very essential as they withstand the forces on tooth while chewing, otherwise they may fracture the tooth.
How long does the root canal therapy take?
Generally we complete the RCT in single visit. But in cases where the infection is spreading into the surrounding bone it takes 2-3 visits.
What is the success rate of root canal therapy?
Initial RCT mostly will have a success rate above 90%. Sometimes circumstances also affect the success of root canal treatment. In case of failed RCT, it can be re-done.
Why does Root Canal Treatment fail?
There are various reasons for root canal treatment failure
- Canals that are not located by the specialist
- Canals which are not treated completely
- If any tissue is remained in the canals
- Fracture lines on root surface
- Micro leakage of bacteria
- Perforations during treatment
What if I didn’t get my tooth treated with Root Canal Therapy?
If the treatment is delayed, it leads to serious infections such as periapical abscess or space infections which are life threatening sometimes. They also can lead to cyst formation. Fillings or antibiotics cannot resolve the problem permanently.
Why should I have Root Canal Therapy rather than have the tooth extracted?
Whenever there is a possibility of saving the tooth it is good to choose to save rather than get it extracted because our natural teeth are good in all aspects. The specialist assures you to give a painless treatment and you need not worry about the pain.
The alternative treatment is extraction. If you decide to get it extracted, then replacement must be done, otherwise the other teeth will be shifted or drifted. Also the cost of replacement teeth is 200% more than that of RCT. Moreover we can save the natural tooth by RCT which is more advisable.
What will be the post Root Canal Therapy protocol that should be followed?
- Until the numbness has entirely gone, do not eat or drink hot foods or beverages.
- While taking pain killers do not take alcohol or any drugs
- The tenderness may be present for a few days
- Warm salt water rinse can be done
- Don’t chew on the treated tooth till all tenderness subsides
- If there is any severe pain or swelling, you can contact our office.
- Brush your teeth as usual.
Can I go back to work after treatment?
Root canal treatment is similar to any other restorative procedure, but you will be having numbness. You can do your daily activities normally as there will be no inconvenience.
Should I be concerned about dental x rays taken during Root Canal Therapy?
The amount of radiation to which you are exposed is monitored by the specialist, and you need not worry about the number of x-rays taken during the treatment. With the technology used now-a-days and digital x-rays we take care that minimum radiation is used. Lead apron is also used to reduce exposure to unnecessary radiation. If it is necessary to take an x-ray it is taken, for the benefit of your treatment. It has been proved that the radiation exposure is almost equal to that from short airplane flight.
Will I need to return to your clinic for follow-ups after the procedure?
A follow-up examination is done after six months and you need to come to the clinic. Treatment outcome is evaluated, to see whether the tooth gets back the normal function again, and the extent of healing of bone.
How many sittings does it take?
Root Canal Treatment can be done in one or more visits, depending on the situation. An infected tooth will need several appointments to make sure that the infection is eliminated. Some teeth may be more difficult to treat because of the position of the tooth, because they have many and curved root canals that are difficult to locate, or for other reasons. An uncomplicated root canal treatment often can be completed in one visit. Once the root canal treatment is finished, you will need to see your general specialist to have the tooth restored with a crown or filling