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| Years ago, diseased or
damaged teeth were almost always removed. Today, modern
dental techniques often make it possible to save the
damaged teeth. One of the most common techniques is
root canal therapy, or in dental terminology,
endodontic treatment. Root
canal therapy is generally necessary when the pulp,
which contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth,
is diseased or damaged. This may be caused by a number
of situations. For example, bacteria from a deep cavity
can enter the pulp and cause infection. Or the tooth may
be injured in such a way that the blood supply is
ruptured or the nerve damaged. A third possibility is a
fracture of the tooth itself, which exposes the pulp to
bacteria normally found in the mouth.
Severe gum
(periodontal) disease can cause infection of the
pulp, too.
All of these conditions can cause
severe toothaches, or deterioration of the pulp may
happen so gradually that it is nearly painless. In any
event, when these situations exist, the tooth should be
treated by root canal therapy or it will be lost. |
What Is Involved In Root Canal Therapy?
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| The first step is to remove the
pulp tissue and carefully clean the pulp chamber
and root canals. This is done through a small opening in
the crown of the tooth. (If you are experiencing
severe pain from the tooth, this will usually provide
dramatic relief.) Once the area has been cleaned,
medicine is then placed in the tooth and it is
temporarily sealed. However, if severe infection is
present, your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few
days to promote drainage. He may also choose to
prescribe an antibiotic to help control the infection. |
Root Canal Treatment
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Access cavity |
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Inserting instruments |
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Disinfect the canal & remove |
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preparation |
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into the canal |
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the
periapical abscess |
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Obturate the root canal
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Capping or crowing of
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with root canal sealers |
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the tooth done |
The pulp chamber and
root canals are thoroughly cleansed,
sealed and the crown of the tooth is
restored. If a cyst or large area of
infection is present at the tip of the root,
it may be necessary to remove it surgically.
This is called periapical surgery
(or an apicoectomy) and is done through the
gum.The treatment
program usually takes between two and
five appointments. When the dentist is
certain that the tooth is free of infection,
he will fill and seal the canals and pulp
chamber with a material which will
prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Then the outer portion of the tooth must be
restored. However, it may first be necessary
to strengthen the tooth with a "post and
core" buildup. Then the crown of the
tooth will be restored with a silver or
plastic filing, a gold inlay, or a porcelain
or gold crown. |
Will The Treatment Be Painful?
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| Many of the
procedures can be done without local
anesthesia. However, if your dentist
anticipates any discomfort, a local
anesthetic will be given. Sometimes
there may be temporary irritation of the
tissues surrounding the tooth following
treatment. This is usually so slight
that it can be controlled with a simple
remedy such as aspirin. Should you
develop any severe swelling, or
increasing pain, you should contact your
dentist at once. |
Is It Expensive?
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| The cost of root
canal therapy and filling is usually
less than the cost of removing the tooth
and replacing it with an artificial one.
Also, no replacement will ever be as
satisfactory as your natural tooth.
The fee is usually
determined by the complexity of the
condition and the number of root canals
involved.
Restoring the crown
after treatment is not usually included
in the root canal therapy fee. |
Fact or Fiction?
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| The tooth will be
dead.
FICTION! Even with a
non-vital pulp, the tooth still receives
nourishment and support from its
surrounding tissues.
The tooth will be a
source of infection.
FICTION!
A carefully treated tooth is not a
source of infection and will not cause
heart trouble, joint diseases, or any of
the many conditions formerly attributed
to "dead teeth."
The tooth will turn
black. FICTION!
With modern treatment the tooth will not
turn black. It may become discolored or
darken slightly; however, this can
usually be treated with a simple
bleaching technique.
The tooth probably
won't last.
FICTION!
More than 90% of the teeth given this
treatment will last as long as the
person's natural teeth. Of course, you
need to continue to see your dentist
regularly and to take good care of your
teeth and gums.
At
Paradise Dental
we make every
effort to ensure your comfort during
root canal treatment. And we're
happy to
answer any root canal questions
you may have. Our concern is your
comfort and confidence. Our goal
is to help preserve your natural teeth
for a lifetime. |
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