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Karim
Malek, D.M.D. Endodontist - San Jose, California
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Teeth with Endodontic Therapy and Answers About Root Canal Procedures
and Follow-Up What is a Root Canal? Root canal therapy fits under the special dentistry area known as endodontics. Endodontics literally means dentistry within the tooth itself. The procedure deals with the nerve of the tooth, which is housed in the pulp chamber and in the canal within the root. A root canal is performed when the nerve is too diseased to be saved and must be removed. Pulp disease usually means that one will lose the tooth unless something is done to save it. Root canal therapy involves replacing the diseased or dead pulp with a substance that will help preserve the function of the tooth. Modern techniques have made this tooth-saving procedure much more acceptable than in the past. Why Are Root Canals Necessary? Tooth Decay There are many reasons that a root canal may be needed. The most common cause is the carious process (the uncontrolled process of tooth decay). When tooth decay begins, it penetrates the outer layer of enamel and creates a cavity. If that process is not stopped, the decay will continue toward the nerve of the tooth. Infections Sometimes a tooth will become infected from within, causing an infection and/or abscess that can be terribly painful. In addition to pain, other symptoms include swelling, tenderness, or pain while chewing. Infection may affect underlying bone, in which case the affected area must be treated with antibiotics and may need time to drain before the root canal therapy can proceed. Trauma Sometimes trauma (injury) to the tooth will injure the nerve. Such injury can be caused by an automobile accident, a blow to the mouth, or when a tooth cracks or breaks spontaneously while eating. What Can I Expect During a Root Canal? The dentist will thoroughly examine the tooth that is causing problems and will test it in various ways (including X-ray examination) to determine whether or not the pulp tissue is diseased. When the decision for root canal therapy has been made, the dentist will gain access to the pulp chamber of the tooth, much like filling a cavity. The diseased pulp will be removed while leaving the canal intact. The canal will be flushed out with special solutions before a medication is placed within. A temporary crown or restoration will then be placed on the tooth, so the patient will not feel uncomfortable between dental visits. Later, usually during another appointment, the root will be permanently filled with a material that will hopefully keep the canal intact for a long period of time. A permanent restoration (crown) is then prepared and applied to the tooth. Is Root Canal Therapy Painful? The inside of the tooth is very sensitive, so the dentist will administer medication to make sure that the area is desensitized and you will not feel uncomfortable. You should communicate any uncomfortable feeling to your dentist throughout the procedure so that the desired level of pain control can be maintained. The procedure involves many steps and it often takes one to three dental visits to complete. Occasionally, a waiting period between visits is necessary to allow infection to clear up. It is very important to follow all of your dentist's instructions precisely to avoid complications. Will Root Canal Therapy Save My Tooth? Root canal therapy has a very high rate of success (more than 90%), but there are cases where the tooth is too damaged to save or where continued infection requires additional treatment, possibly even extraction of the tooth. Why is Follow-Up So Important? After root canal therapy is completed, you should see your dentist at the recommended intervals (usually in at least six months if no symptoms occur). If you have continued discomfort, pain, or swelling, you should contact your dentist immediately. If the root canal therapy is successful, your follow-up visits will be less frequent, but in no case should you discontinue follow-up. Your dentist must make sure that the root canal is intact. This is very important to assure that there is no continuing infectious process. Good follow-up care can make the difference between success and failure of the procedure. Why Not Just Pull the Tooth? Root canal therapy may seem like a lot of trouble but keep in mind that your "bite" is very complex, and when a tooth is lost it affects the manner in which your entire set of teeth fits together (occlusion). A replacement, such as a bridge, is usually needed to compensate for the function of the lost tooth so problems of occlusion will be minimized. No replacement is a good as your natural tooth, so every attempt should be made to save it. Remember, a root canal is done to save your tooth. To make sure that its effectiveness is long lasting, regualar visits to your dentist are extremely important. Working together, you and your dentist can maintain the best possible dental care! |
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| Karim
Malek, D.M.D. Practice Limited to Endodontics (408) 225-7010 704 Blossom Hill Rd. #107 San Jose, CA 95123 info@karimmalek.com |
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